Home Warranty vs. Home Insurance

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What’s the Difference Between Home Insurance vs. a Home Warranty?

home warranty vs. home insuranceYou may be wondering, “what is home insurance vs. home warranty?” Although they sound similar, there are key differences between the two. A home warranty helps cover normal wear and tear of certain appliances and systems. Home insurance helps cover damages to your home and belongings from covered losses like fire, wind or theft. Homeowners insurance also includes liability coverage to help pay for injuries or property damage you’re found legally responsible for or contributing to. In many cases, your mortgage lender will require you to have a home insurance policy.
 
It's important to note that having home warranty coverage is not a replacement for home insurance. With the AARP® Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford,1 you can get the coverage you need to protect the investment you’ve made in your home. Get a quote online today or speak to one of our specialists at 877-422-2345 to learn more about the coverages and savings available to you.
 

Benefits of Homeowners Insurance

home insurance vs. home warrantyHomeowners insurance can help give you peace of mind knowing that your home and belongings are covered when the unexpected happens. Your policy helps pay repair or replacement costs after a covered loss. So, what does homeowners insurance cover? Typically, standard homeowners insurance coverage offers protection from events like:
 
  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Smoke
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Weight of ice or snow
  • Certain natural disasters, like hailstorms
Events that are typically not covered by home insurance include:
 
  • Floods
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Pest damage from vermin, rodents, etc.

Do I Need Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance isn’t typically required by law in most states. However, you may be required to have a homeowners insurance policy if you have a mortgage on your home. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, it’s still a good idea to get insurance coverage. Without homeowners insurance, you’ll have to pay costs to repair or replace your home’s structures and belongings completely out of pocket if they’re damaged.
 

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

homeowners insurance vs. home warrantyA home warranty covers the repair and replacement of appliances and systems in your home. For example, a home warranty plan typically covers:
 
  • Refrigerators
  • Washers
  • Dryers
  • Ovens
  • Water systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Electrical systems
You’ll need to purchase a service contract from a home warranty company to get this type of coverage.
 

Do I Need a Home Warranty?

Home warranties are optional. However, you may consider purchasing a home warranty to help protect against normal wear and tear, especially if you have older appliances. Typically, standard home insurance policies don’t cover damages from general wear and tear.
 

Homeowners Insurance vs. Home Warranty

When it comes to understanding homeowners insurance vs. a home warranty, it’s important to read the fine print to know what each covers. Home warranties cover wear and tear, while home insurance protects your house and personal property from covered losses. Since they cover different things, a home warranty is not a replacement for a homeowners insurance policy.
 
The AARP Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford helps protect your home from events and situations that a home warranty doesn’t. Call our specialists at 877-422-2345 to learn more about the coverages available to you.
 

Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance – Do I Need Both?

home warranty vs. homeowners insuranceIt’s a good idea to have homeowners insurance to help protect your home and its structures. On the other hand, a home warranty is an optional type of coverage that you can choose to purchase depending on your preferences as a homeowner.
 

Get a Fast and Free Quote for Homeowners Insurance from The Hartford

The Hartford has been protecting homeowners and their properties for over 200 years. With our high ratings for customer service and claims satisfaction, we’ve earned our reputation as an insurance company you can trust. Get a fast and free quote online today or call 877-422-2345 to start protecting your home with The Hartford.
 
 
Last Updated: July 24, 2023
 
Additional disclosures below.
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. Home product is not available in all areas, including the state of FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
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