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 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Service contracts with AFC come with access to free credit monitoring and a range of discounts with partner companies.

We put AFC Home Warranty up against two major competitors.

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.

Both companies both 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.