Did you know that most homeowners think they’re covered, but they’re not?
Homeowners insurance covers more than your house and its belongings. It also covers personal liability, and a claim can cover your injuries and those of your family members.
A home warranty doesn’t cover those things, but it does cover the house and its appliances. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about a home warranty vs homeowners insurance.
Coverage
Homeowners insurance covers your home and belongings in the event of damage from Perils like fire, theft, and severe weather.
A home warranty, on the other hand, covers the repair or replacement of specific appliances and systems in your home, like your furnace or air conditioner. Most home warranties also include coverage for pool and spa equipment, as well as guest quarters.
If you still need more information about the coverage, contact a reputable insurance company like lopriore.com.
Costs
There are a few key differences between a home warranty vs homeowners insurance when it comes to costs.
For one, a home warranty guide typically costs a few hundred dollars per year, while homeowners insurance can cost several thousand dollars per year.
Additionally, a home warranty generally covers the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances in your home, while homeowners insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home in the event of damage from a covered event, like a fire.
Deductibles
When it comes to home insurance, there is no such thing as a deductible. Your home insurance policy will have a set monthly premium that you will pay to keep your coverage in place. A home warranty, on the other hand, does have a deductible.
This is the amount of money that you will have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs or replacements covered by your home warranty.
The deductible for a home warranty is typically much lower than your home insurance deductible, making it a more affordable option for many homeowners.
Renewability
Most homeowner’s insurance policies are renewable, meaning you can renew your coverage each year without having to re-apply. Home warranties, on the other hand, are not renewable.
Once your home warranty expires, you will need to purchase a new one if you want coverage. This can be a hassle, and it can be expensive if you need to purchase a new warranty every year.
Customer Service
While both home warranty and homeowners insurance are important, they differ in terms of customer service. Homeowners insurance typically offers 24/7 customer service, whereas home warranty customer service may have limited hours.
Additionally, homeowners insurance typically covers more comprehensive disasters, while a home warranty may only cover specific repairs or replacements.
Protection
Homeowners insurance typically covers the structure of your home and personal belongings inside, while a home warranty covers the mechanical systems and appliances inside your home.
And, while both offer some financial protection in the event of a major disaster, a home warranty typically only covers repair or replacement costs, while homeowners insurance can also cover temporary living expenses and other damages.
What to do if you have Both
If you have both a home warranty and homeowners insurance, it’s important to understand what each type of coverage protects. Homeowners insurance typically does not cover damages due to normal wear and tear, while a home warranty will.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to read your policy documents carefully. If you have a home warranty and need to file a claim, be sure to contact your home warranty company first.
If they determine that the damage is covered under your policy, they will send a service technician to your home to make the repairs.
If the damage is not covered by your home warranty, or if you don’t have a home warranty, you will need to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company.
Which is Right for you?
So, which is right for you? If you’re looking for protection against covered damage to your home and belongings, homeowners insurance is a better bet.
If you’re concerned about the potential repair or replacement costs of major systems and appliances, a home warranty may be a better option.
How do you File a Claim?
When it comes to filing a claim, the process is different for a home warranty and homeowners insurance. To file a claim with a home warranty, you typically contact the home warranty company and schedule a repair.
The home warranty company will then send a contractor to fix the issue. To file a claim with homeowners insurance, you would contact your insurance agent and file a claim.
The insurance company will then send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the cost of repairs.
Choose Between Home Warranty vs Homeowners Insurance
It’s important to know the difference between a home warranty vs homeowners insurance so that you can be properly protected in the event of an issue with your home.
A home warranty covers repair and replacement costs for certain items in your home, while homeowners insurance covers damage to your home caused by events like storms or burglaries.
Make sure you understand the coverage offered by each before making a decision on which one is right for you.