Home Insurance vs. Home Warranty: What’s the Difference? 

Homeowners face many decisions when it comes to protecting their property, and one common source of confusion is the difference between home insurance and a home warranty. Each serves a distinct purpose, so it’s important to know what they cover, how they work, and when you might need them to make confident choices about your coverage.

What Is Home Insurance?

Home insurance provides financial protection for your home and personal belongings against unexpected events such as fires, theft, hurricanes, and certain types of water damage. It may cover:

• Repair or rebuilding of your home’s structure (e.g., walls, roof and foundation)
• Repair or replacement of stolen or damaged personal items
• Liability protection if someone is injured on your property
• Additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event

Many lenders require homeowners to carry insurance before approving a mortgage, making it a critical part of homeownership.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that can help cover the cost of fixing or replacing major home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear, something home insurance typically does not cover. It’s optional and not usually required by lenders, but it can be a valuable tool for managing out-of-pocket costs, especially in older homes.

Home warranties typically cover:

• HVAC systems
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Kitchen appliances (e.g., refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers)
• Laundry appliances

How Our Team Can Help

At Unbeatable Insurance, we help homeowners in Fort Myers, FL find home insurance coverage tailored to their specific needs. Our team can answer your questions about coverage differences and check that you’re financially prepared for unforeseen events. Contact us today to find out more.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.