Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Whether it’s your first house or your fifth, homeownership comes with real responsibilities. And sooner or later, something in your home is going to break or malfunction.

That’s where a home warranty comes in.

A home warranty isn’t insurance. It doesn’t cover natural disasters or accidents. Instead, it covers the things you use every day. Systems such as plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Appliances such as your refrigerator, stove, or washer. When those break, and they will, eventually, a home warranty can help with the cost to repair or replace them.

If you’re on the fence about buying one, keep reading. Here’s why a home warranty is worth considering before the next unexpected breakdown.

Repairs Are Expensive. A Home Warranty Helps You Plan for the Unexpected.

No one likes surprise expenses. But as a homeowner, they’re part of the deal.

Your water heater might give out in the middle of winter. Your AC might stop working during the hottest week of summer. Your fridge could fail just before the holidays. These aren’t just inconveniences. They’re urgent problems that often come with a steep price tag.

A home warranty helps you manage those moments.

A huge upside of getting an APHW home warranty is that homeowners can choose their own licensed contractor for all covered repairs. If you don’t have a preferred contractor or know anyone in your area, you can call your home warranty provider for assistance. They’ll walk you through the process, help you get approval, and coordinate payment, often covering hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs.

That kind of coverage can bring peace of mind and real savings.

Breakdowns Often Happen Within the First Year

Here’s something most new homeowners don’t know.

Nearly 70 percent of appliance and system failures happen within the first year of homeownership. That’s often when budgets are tight, and the financial cushion you had for closing costs is already gone.

 

A contractor repairing a broken down washing machine.

 

EEven if your home inspection went well, that doesn’t mean every part of your home is in perfect shape. Things break down because of age and normal wear and tear. 

A home warranty gives you a safety net and helps protect your budget.

Homeowners Need Flexibility and Control

Not all home warranty companies work the same way. Many require you to use their network of service providers. That can leave you waiting days for an appointment, or worse, stuck with someone you don’t trust.

APHW works differently.

With APHW, you choose your own licensed contractor for covered repairs. You can use someone local. Someone you, your family, or your friends trust. You don’t have to wait for a technician to be assigned. You’re in control from the start.

That means faster repairs, more flexibility, and peace of mind that the job will be done right.g or Selling

If you’re buying a home, a warranty offers protection for the systems and appliances you’re inheriting. If you’re selling, it’s a strong incentive for potential buyers.

Real estate agents often use home warranties as part of their selling strategy. Buyers feel more confident knowing they have support if something goes wrong after the sale.

A Home Warranty Can add Value when buying or selling

If you're buying a home, a warranty helps protect your budget from the unexpected cost of repairing or replacing the systems and appliances you're inheriting. If you’re selling, it’s a strong incentive for potential buyers.

Real estate agents often use home warranties as part of their selling strategy. Buyers feel more confident knowing they have support if something goes wrong after the sale.

A Home Warranty Offers More Than Coverage

The real value of a home warranty goes beyond what’s written in the agreement. It is about having someone to call when something breaks. It’s about knowing that when a big repair shows up, you’re not on your own. It’s about avoiding late-night searches for a plumber or waking up to a $2,000 bill you didn’t see coming.

At APHW, that protection goes even further. Certain plans include Identity Theft and Home Title Theft Protection, which can provide an extra layer of security against some of the more common threats to homeownership. This is just one more way APHW works to help protect your financial peace of mind.

At the end of the day, the benefits of a home warranty are about more than saving money. It is about knowing that you are covered when you need to be and taking the guesswork out of homeownership. When something breaks, you won’t be caught off guard. Instead, you will have a plan of action, support through the entire process, and one less thing to worry about.

Older Homes Are More Likely to Need a Warranty

If you’re buying or living in an older home, a warranty may be even more important.

Appliances don’t last forever. Neither do HVAC systems, plumbing lines, or electrical panels. In older homes, those systems may be nearing the end of their lifespan, even if they’re working fine today.

A home warranty can give you breathing room. It can help cover the cost of breakdowns that come with age, wear, and normal use. And when something goes wrong, you’ll know who to call.

It’s Easy to Use—and Easy to Start

FAPHW wants everything about home warranties to be easy. To help achieve that goal, signing up is easy, and you can do it anytime, online. Additionally, filing a claim with APHW is just as simple.

  1. Start a claim online or by phone. You’ll get a claim number right away.
  2. Choose your own licensed contractor to diagnose the issue.
  3. Call APHW with the diagnosis before any work begins.
  4. Once a claim is approved, APHW sets up payment. You pay your service fee, and the rest is handled.

This process ensures that claims are reviewed quickly and fairly. And if you ever have questions, the APHW team is available 24/7/365.

Final Thoughts

Homeownership is rewarding, but it’s also unpredictable. A home warranty gives you a practical, affordable way to help manage that risk.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home warranty, now is the time to act. Before the next breakdown. Before the next emergency. Before you’re stuck with a bill you didn’t budget for.

APHW is here to help, with flexible plans, 24/7/365 support, and a simple process designed with homeowners in mind.

Learn more about our home warranty plans, pricing, and coverage options, or speak with a member of our team today.

Get your free quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do homeowners choose America's Preferred Home Warranty?

There are many good reasons to choose APHW for your home warranty. First, one of our most unique features is that policyholders can choose their own licensed contractors for covered repairs. We do this so our clients can take comfort in knowing someone they trust is entering their homes. Next, our plans cover 26 home systems and appliances, and our customer service is available any time, any day. Finally, we have been recognized with a BBB Torch Award for Ethics and a Stevie Award for customer service, which showcase our commitment to our clients and our dedication to exceptional home warranty coverage. 

How much does a home warranty cost?

The cost of your home warranty will vary depending on the plan you select, the deductible option you choose, and any additional add-ons you may want. Visit the APHW Home Warranty Pricing page to explore your options and find a plan that fits your home and budget. 

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

It is usually in your best interest to have homeowners insurance and a home warranty, because these policies often cover very different things. Insurance is meant to protect your home from disasters, like fires, weather damage, or even break-ins. A home warranty is meant to repair or replace appliances and home systems that break down from wear and tear. If your dryer stops working due to regular use, your home insurance policy likely won’t help you, but the best home warranties will. Together, these two policies can provide you with much broader coverage than either policy provides on its own.