Do I need a home warranty if I already have homeowners insurance?

A home warranty is optional, but many homeowners choose to have both because they are designed for different situations. Homeowners insurance generally addresses covered losses and damage, while a home warranty helps with eligible breakdowns of covered systems and appliances.

Home Warranty Help

Homeowners Insurance vs a Home Warranty

Q: What is the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance may cover losses caused by covered events such as fire, theft, storms, and certain types of damage. A home warranty may help cover eligible repairs or replacements when covered home systems and appliances break down due to normal wear and tear.

Q: What does a home warranty cover that homeowners insurance may not?

A home warranty may cover eligible repairs or replacements for systems and appliances that fail from normal wear and tear, such as heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters, and certain household appliances. Coverage varies by plan.

Q: Can I buy a home warranty after I already own my home?

Yes. You do not need to be buying or selling a home to purchase an APHW home warranty. Current homeowners can purchase coverage at any time.

September 18, 2026 | By Bonnie Gretzner | 4 min read

Model home protected by an umbrella beside a laptop, representing home warranty and homeowners insurance coverage.

If you have ever been curious about the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance, you’re not alone. The two can be confused but apply to very different situations. Understanding how they differ can help you properly cover your home for when things go wrong.

Is a Home Warranty the Same as Home Insurance?

Homeowners insurance and a home warranty are separate products that offer separate and distinct benefits. Homeowners insurance may help cover losses caused by covered events such as fires, theft, and certain types of direct and consequential damage. Most mortgage lenders require homeowners to have this coverage.

A home warranty, alternatively, is optional and can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing a home system or appliance when it breaks down due to normal wear and tear.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover That Homeowners Insurance May Not?

A home warranty provides support when your home’s systems or appliances break down during regular use. Some of the common systems and appliances included in an APHW home warranty include:

Central air conditioning and heating systems
Water heaters
Plumbing and electrical systems
Kitchen appliances, like your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and built-in microwave
Washer and dryer
Garbage disposal
Roof leak repair

If your furnace stops working because of normal wear and tear, your home insurance generally won’t cover the mechanical breakdown itself, while a home warranty may help with covered repairs.

Do I Need a Home Warranty if I Have Homeowners Insurance?

It is advisable. Many homeowners have both forms of coverage, and for good reason. Homeowners insurance may help take care of some of the costs from unexpected events, like hail damage, fire damage, a falling limb or tree, vandalism and break-ins. A home warranty covers repairs for systems and appliances that wear out over time. Because they are designed for different situations, many homeowners choose to have both.

For example, if a storm damages your roof, homeowners insurance may be able to help you. If your roof gets a leak from normal wear, your home warranty may help with eligible repair costs. If a pipe freezes or bursts, your insurance can help with the resulting water damage. If you experience a typical plumbing stoppage, your home warranty may help cover some of the repair costs, but your homeowners insurance almost certainly will not have any such coverage.

For homeowners who want more coverage for more situations, having both may help reduce repair costs while adding an extra layer of support when something goes wrong in your home.

Avoid Coverage Gaps and Get Greater Peace of Mind With APHW

APHW home warranty plans cover 26 home systems and appliances, so homeowners can have peace of mind when something breaks down. With APHW, you can also choose your own licensed contractor for covered repairs.

You can sign up online at any time. Request a free quote or call 800.648.5006 to find the right plan for your home.

Terms and conditions apply. Coverage varies by plan. Refer to your service agreement for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance covers damage caused by sudden or unexpected events, like fires, storms, theft, and other incidents. Home warranties cover the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances that break down due to regular use. Insurance is typically required by mortgage lenders and covers damage from outside sources, whereas a home warranty is optional and helps cover repairs and/or replacements for breakdowns in home appliances.

Can I buy a home warranty after I already own my home?

You do not need to be in the middle of a real estate transaction to purchase a home warranty. APHW home warranty plans are available to current homeowners at any time.

What does a home warranty cover?

Home warranties are meant to cover systems and appliances that are in working condition at the start of the coverage and fail during the covered time frame due to normal wear and tear. For full details on what is and is not covered, review the APHW Homeowner Terms & Conditions and download the document for complete information.