America's First Choice Home Warranty has four plans with a broad range of coverage options. That flexibility — and the fact that policyholders can work with a contractor of their choice — landed it on our list of the top home warranty companies.
We like that AFC lets you lower your premiums by choosing a higher service contract fee and that the workmanship guarantee lasts for the life of your contract.
AFC has a high rate of complaints about claim delays and denials, however, and coverage is based on the depreciated value of your appliances and systems.
AFC Home Warranty
Plans
Silver: Appliances, garage door
Gold: Adds HVAC, electrical, plumbing and ductwork
Platinum: Adds faucets, plumbing stoppage, fans, built-in microwaves
Diamond: Adds electronics (including phones), exterior water and sewer linesAvailability
AFC warranties are available nationwide except California, Hawaii and Washington state
Coverage limits
$3,000 limit per covered appliance per contract term, $500 limit for plumbing and electrical, no limit on A/C or heating, $50,000 aggregate cap for all covered items per term.
Add-ons
Pool/spa, septic systems, well and sump pumps, freezers, roof leaks
Service call fee
$75, $100 or $125
Read our AFC Home Warranty review
Pros
- Homeowners may choose their own contractor
- Repairs are guaranteed for the duration of your contact
- Can choose service call fee amount
Cons
- Not available in California, Hawaii or Washington state
- Low coverage limits
- Appliances and systems with pre-existing issues not covered
AFC Home Warranty
- Pros and cons of AFC Home Warranty
- AFC Home Warranty plans and pricing
- Requirements and exclusions
- Coverage limits
- Fees
- Customer service
- How does AFC compare to other home warranty companies?
- How do I buy a policy from AFC Home Warranty?
- Is AFC Home Warranty worth it?
- AFC Home Warranty FAQs
- Our methodology
Pros and cons of AFC Home Warranty
- Can choose your technician
- Contracts as long as three years
- $50,000 aggregate coverage limit
- Choice of service call fee to lower your premium
- Warranties only cover the depreciated value of appliances and systems
- Low coverage limits for plumbing and electrical systems
- Complaints about reaching customer service and claim delays
AFC Home Warranty plans and pricing
AFC Home Warranty is available nationwide except in California and Hawaii and is available for single-family and multiple-unit homes, condos, mobile homes, rental properties and manufactured homes.
The rates listed here are based on a single-family home in Montgomery County, Maryland, with ZIP code 20895.
Silver
Covers: Major household appliances including refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, washers/dryers, garbage disposals and garage door openers
Monthly rate: $31
Gold
Covers: Same as Silver but adds HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems
Monthly rate: $44
Platinum
Covers: Same as Gold plan but adds ceiling, exhaust and attic fans.
Monthly rate: $52
Diamond
Covers: Same as the Platinum plan but adds home electronics and exterior water/sewer lines.
Monthly rate: $83
Add-ons
AFC will cover additional items, including:
- Home electronics
- Sprinklers
- Pool and spa
- Septic system
- Standalone freezer
- Sump pump or well pump
- Central vacuum
- Roof leak repair
Requirements and exclusions
AFC Home Warranty has a 30-day waiting period, during which it will not cover the replacement cost of systems or appliances.
Items that are still under a manufacturer warranty or with known or unknown pre-existing conditions are not covered, nor are damages relating to neglect or misuse, rust, mold, fire, power surges, electrical shorts, storms, water damage or pests.
Review your policy to find out about more exceptions or exclusions.
Coverage limits
AFC has an aggregate limit of $50,000 for all claims per contract term. It also sets caps on how much it will pay to repair or replace certain items:
- Appliances: $ 3,000 per covered item
- A/C and heating: No limit
- Electrical systems: $500
- Plumbing: $500
- Roof leak repair: $250
- Water heater: $1,000
Costs
| Plan | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| Silver | $31 |
| Gold | $44 |
| Platinum | $52 |
| Diamond | $81 |
AFC Home Warranty premiums can be paid monthly, annually or in one lump sum for a three-year contract, with discounts of up to 20% available for upfront payments.
Service call fees are available at $75, $100 or $125, with higher fees resulting in lower premiums.
Customer service
America's First Choice has a less-than-stellar record for customer satisfaction, with nearly 75% of its reviews on Trustpilot earning just one star. The Better Business Bureau gives AFC Home Warranty a B, which is typical of home warranty companies.
You can get a rate quote and purchase a policy on the AFC website or over the phone at 844-518-0119, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. There is no mobile app or online chat feature.
AFC lets you choose your contractors, so long as they are licensed, bonded, insured and have been previously authorized. Alternatively, AFC will assign one to you from its network of 40,000 technicians nationwide.
Contractors are contacted within four hours of receiving a request, although it may take more than 48 hours for the request to be accepted and the homeowner contacted. According to AFC, policyholders do not have to pay for a follow-up visit if a repair is not successful.
Service contracts with AFC come with access to free credit monitoring and a range of discounts with partner companies.
How does AFC compare to other home warranty companies?
We put AFC Home Warranty up against two major competitors in the home warranty field.
| AFC Home Warranty | Select Home Warranty | American Home Shield | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 48 states (not available in California or Hawaii) | 47 states (not available in Nevada, Washington or Wisconsin | 48 states (not available in Alaska or Hawaii) |
| Plans | Silver: Major appliances; Gold: Adds home systems; Platinum: Adds faucets, plumbing clogs, fans, built-in microwaves; Diamond: Adds electronics, exterior water and sewer lines | Bronze Care: Major appliances, Gold Care: Home systems, Platinum Care: Both | ShieldSilver: Home systems, ShieldGold: Adds appliances, ShieldPlatinum: Covers both plus roof leak repair and higher appliance coverage limits |
| Average premiums | $31-$52 | $44-$47 (with discounts) | Starting at $30 |
| Coverage cap | $ 3,000 per appliance, no limit on HVAC, $500 on electrical and plumbing. Aggregate limit of $50,000 for all claims per term | $500 for appliances, electrical and plumbing; $3,000 for A/C and heating | $2,000 per appliance and $5,000 per system, ShieldPlatinum raises limit to $4,000 per appliance. Aggregate limit of $50,000 for all claims per term |
| Service call fee | $75-$125 | $75-$100 | $100 or $125 |
| Guarantee | For the length of the contract | 60 days | 30 days |
| Choose your contractor? | Yes | No | In limited situations |
AFC Home Warranty vs. Select Home Warranty
AFC has more flexible pricing than Select Home Warranty, but Select has frequent sales and offers two months for free if you pay your contract premium upfront. Be sure to compare rates accurately if you're considering both plans.
Select Home Warranty
Plans
The Bronze Care plan covers appliances, Gold Care protects HVAC, electrical and other home systems. Platinum Care plan covers both and adds garage door openers, ceiling fans and plumbing clogs.
Availability
Not available in Nevada, Washington or Wisconsin
Coverage limits
$3,000 for AC/heating; $500 for electrical, plumbing and appliances; $400 for roof leak
Add-ons
Central vacuum, sprinklers, pool, spa, sump or well pump, septic system, roof leaks
Service call fees
$60 to $75
Both companies cap coverage for plumbing and electric systems at $500. Select goes as high as $3,000 for HVAC systems while AFC has no limit for AC or heating.
In addition, Select maxes out at $500 per appliance while AFC has a more generous $3,000 limit and an aggregate limit of $50,000 for all claims per contract term.
AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
AFC's rates start lower than America's Home Shield, but that could be impacted by your choice of service call fee.
Both AFC and American Home Shield have a B rating from the Better Business Bureau and a significant number of one-star reviews on Trustpilot. (74% for AFC compared to 62% for AHS).
American Home Shield
Plans
ShieldSilver plan covers HVAC, electrical, plumbing systems, while the ShieldGold plan adds laundry appliances. The ShieldPlatinum increases coverage limits and adds microwaves, ceiling fans, icemakers and roof leak repairs.
Availability
Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
Coverage limits
ShieldSilver: $5,000 per covered HVAC system, ShieldGold: $2,000 per covered appliance, ShieldPlatinum: $4,000 per appliance, $5,000 per HVAC, $1,000 for roof leak repairs. All American Home Shield plans have a $50,000 total limit per contract.
Add-ons
Electronics, pool/spa, septic systems, well and septic pumps, roof leak repairs, guest units
Service fee
$100 or $125
Unlike AFC, however, AHS will pay up to $1,000 to repair walls, floors or ceilings if a contractor needs to access a covered system. AHS also covers malfunctions due to unknown pre-existing conditions, rust and sediment — all of which AFC excludes.
American Home Shield only guarantees its workmanship for 30 days, however, while America's First Choice stands by parts and labor for the life of your contract.
How do I buy a policy with AFC Home Warranty?
You can get a rate quote and sign up for a service contract on the AFC Home Warranty website or by phone at 844-518-0119.
You'll need to provide information about your specific appliances and systems, so AFC recommends enrolling over the phone to ensure you understand what your contract covers.
If no service call requests have been made, you can cancel your contract and receive a full refund within 30 days.
Is AFC Home Warranty worth it?
AFC's competitive rates, diverse coverage options and standout workmanship guarantee make it a strong candidate for a service warranty.
However, customers have reported issues reaching AFC customer representatives and having their claims delayed or denied. If that's a concern, consider a competitor with a better customer service record.
AFC Home Warranty FAQs
Is AFC Home Warranty legit?
Yes, AFC is a legit business founded in Marietta, Georgia, in 1995. It issues service contracts for appliances and home systems in 48 states.
How much is AFC Home Warranty's service fee?
There are three options for the service call fee: $75, $100 or $125. The fee you choose impacts how much your monthly premium will be.
How do I file a claim with AFC Home Warranty?
You can submit a claim for service with AFC 24 hours a day, either online or by phone at 855-613-4555. You can request your own contractor or the company will send one from its network within 48 hours of your request.
How do I cancel with AFC Home Warranty?
AFC home warranties can be canceled by email, with the date on your message considered your cancellation date. Depending on where you live, there may be a cancellation fee of between $25 and $75.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every home warranty review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of home warranty products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Our methodology
CNBC Select reviews home warranty companies based on various factors:
- Availability: We considered which states a company issues policies in, as well as any waiting periods.
- Costs: We considered premiums and service call fees, as well as the availability of discounts and limited-time offers. Sample rates listed are based on a single-family home in Montgomery County, Maryland, with ZIP code 20895.
- Plan coverage and add-ons: We rated companies on how extensive each plan is and what add-ons are available for an additional charge.
- Coverage limits: We considered the caps put on plans, as well as requirements for coverage and if maintenance records are needed to approve a claim.
- Customer satisfaction: We considered the availability of customer service representatives, the speed at which technicians are contacted and the ratings and customer review scores each company received from the Better Business Bureau. We also noted any outstanding legal action.
- Licensed technicians: We noted if a company allows customers to work with a technician of their choice.
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