Published November 17, 2025
Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance: What Homeowners Need to Know
Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to protecting a home, “warranty” and “insurance” are often used interchangeably — but they cover very different types of situations. Understanding how a home warranty and homeowners insurance work can help ensure your property is protected from both everyday breakdowns and unexpected events.
Below is a simple breakdown to help homeowners navigate each type of coverage with confidence.
🏠 What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Homeowners insurance protects against damage or loss caused by external events — things that happen to your home from the outside. This includes incidents like:
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Fire
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Storms or hail
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Vandalism
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Theft
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Falling trees or wind damage
Insurance is designed to help repair or rebuild parts of the home and replace belongings affected by a covered event.
Example:
If a storm causes a branch to break a window or damages your roof, homeowners insurance typically helps cover the cost of repairs.
However, if your dishwasher stops working because of age or regular use, that wouldn’t fall under homeowners insurance.
🔧 What Does a Home Warranty Cover?
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear — not external damage.
Common items covered under many home warranty plans include:
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Heating & Air Conditioning Systems
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Kitchen Appliances
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Clothes Washers & Dryers
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Electrical Systems
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Plumbing Systems
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Water Heater
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Ceiling & Exhaust Fans
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Doorbells & Alarm Systems
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Garage Door Openers
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And more, depending on the plan
Some companies also offer optional upgrades, such as coverage for:
Outdoor kitchens, pools, stand-alone freezers, and other specialty items.
Coverage varies by provider and by state, so reviewing individual plan details is important.
⚖️ The Bottom Line
Both types of protection serve different — but equally valuable — purposes.
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Homeowners Insurance → Helps cover damage from unexpected external events, such as fire, storms, or theft.
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Home Warranty → Helps cover repairs or replacement of home systems and appliances due to normal wear and everyday use.
Together, they can provide more complete peace of mind by protecting your home from both sudden surprises and routine breakdowns.
If you’d like help reviewing your current home coverage or understanding what type of protection might work best for your property, our team is here to assist and connect you with trusted providers.
Contact us today:
Texas Realty Group
texasrealtygroup.com
