Home Warranty vs. Home Insurance

I realize insurance is not a very exciting topic, but, protect your home! Here's how...

You’ve probably heard the terms “home warranty” and “home insurance,” but they’re not the same thing. Knowing the difference can save you a ton of stress (and maybe some cash).

Here’s a quick breakdown:

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Think of home insurance as your safety net for life’s curveballs—like fires, storms, or that one tree branch that has it out for your roof. It covers damage and loss from outside forces like:

Fires
Weather disasters
Vandalism (burglars suck, although I like the way the word burglar sounds lol)

Example:

If a tree crashes through your kitchen during a storm and smashes your oven, homeowners insurance will help you fix the damage to the house AND replace that oven. BUT, if your oven decides they ain't all about cooking stuff anymore and quits? Not covered.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Now, a home warranty is like your home’s “Oops! I’m aging!” coverage. It handles repairs and replacements for appliances and systems that break down from everyday wear and tear.

Here’s what’s typically covered (depending on your policy coverage):

Heating & Air Conditioning
Kitchen Appliances
Washers & Dryers
Plumbing, Electrical, & Water Heaters
Garage Door Openers, Ceiling Fans, and more stuffs!
Optional extras: Pools, outdoor kitchens, and stand-alone freezers can often be added to a plan, depending on what you need.

The Bottom Line:

Homeowners insurance - “Oh crap! Something unexpected happened!”
Home warranty - “Well, this was bound to happen eventually!”

Understanding the difference can help you decide what’s best for your home’s protection. And if you have questions about it, you know where to find me! Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving!!