Cinch Home Services vs First American Home Warranty
Last updated July 2026
Cinch Home Services
Home warranty with industry-longest 180-day workmanship guarantee
Advantages
- 180-day workmanship guarantee (longest in the industry)
- Three plans: Appliances, Built-in Systems, Complete Home
- Rewards credits for filing fewer claims
- Free water leak sensor with select plans
- Available in most states
Drawbacks
- Coverage caps lower than AHS on comparable tiers ($1,000-$2,000)
- Claims turnaround varies by market
- Monthly cost slightly lower than AHS but service fee typically higher
- Waiting period of 30 days
First American Home Warranty
Mid-market home warranty with strong per-appliance coverage limits
Advantages
- Higher per-appliance coverage caps than most competitors
- Basic Plan starts at ~$40/mo, undercuts AHS
- First Class Upgrade adds coverage for pre-existing conditions and modifications
- Choose your service fee ($85, $100, or $125)
- Available in most states
Drawbacks
- Fewer plan tiers than AHS
- Systems coverage caps lower than AHS Platinum
- Waiting period of 30 days
- Claims turnaround inconsistent in some markets
Cinch Home Services and First American Home Warranty both play in home warranty plans, but they're aimed at different buyers. Cinch Home Services is built for homeowners who value the 180-day workmanship guarantee and don't need AHS's coverage limits. First American Home Warranty is built for homeowners with newer or high-value appliances who want strong per-appliance caps. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cinch Home Services | First American Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Lineup | Appliances, Built-in Systems, Complete Home | Starter, Essential, Premium |
| Starting Price | $40-$70/mo typical | $40-$75/mo typical |
| Service Call Fee | $100, $125, or $150 (customer choice) | $85, $100, or $125 (customer choice) |
| Coverage Limits | $1,000-$2,000 per item depending on plan | Up to $3,500 per appliance; $1,500 per system |
| Waiting Period | 30 days | 30 days |
| Appliances Covered | Refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, washer/dryer (Complete) | Refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, washer/dryer, more |
| Systems Covered | HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water heater | HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water heater |
| Claims Rating | Average; inconsistent by market | Average, inconsistent by market |
Too Close to Call
Cinch Home Services and First American Home Warranty land roughly even overall; the right pick depends on which of their strengths matters more to you.
Cinch Home Services's standout strength: 180-day workmanship guarantee (longest in the industry). First American Home Warranty's standout strength: Higher per-appliance coverage caps than most competitors. Neither dominates across the board, and both have well-known weak spots. Cinch Home Services's biggest drawback: Coverage caps lower than AHS on comparable tiers ($1,000-$2,000). First American Home Warranty's biggest drawback: Fewer plan tiers than AHS. Pick the one whose strengths line up with what you actually need.
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