Home warranty vs. home insurance

Home warranties and homeowners insurance share a similar structure but offer different benefits. In both cases, you'll pay a fee to your provider in exchange for protecting your home and the things inside it. A home warranty covers you primarily for normal wear and tear of certain major appliances and systems. On the other hand, homeowners insurance covers damage to the house and contents due to covered perils.

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What's the difference between home insurance and warranty?

Although the customer experience for both a home warranty and home insurance are similar, there are some important differences.

Homeowners insurance

  • Covers your home's structure and anything permanently attached to your house
  • Covers structures that aren't permanently attached to your home
  • Pays to repair or replace your belongings
  • Pays for injuries or damages you or your family members cause to others

Learn more about what homeowners insurance covers and how home insurance works.

Home warranty

  • Covers major appliances and systems like ovens, boilers, and septic systems
  • Helps pay for repairs or replacements when covered systems fail due to age and normal wear and tear.

Learn more about how home warranties work, and if they are worth it.

Do I need both a home warranty and home insurance?

Most lenders require you to carry homeowners insurance for the duration of your mortgage. If you haven't yet finished paying off your house, you are likely required to have homeowners insurance. If you own your home outright, you can decide whether to carry homeowners insurance, but it can be a valuable lifeline if your home is damaged or destroyed.

On the other hand, home warranties aren't required by law or most lenders, so the choice is always up to you. Whether or not a home warranty is worth it depends on your priorities as a homeowner. Learn more about if home warranties are worth it.

How to get a home warranty through Progressive

Progressive Home Warranty by Cinch offers three home warranty plans: Appliances, Built-in Systems, and Complete Home. To get started, you can get a home warranty quote online or call 1-866-749-7436.

Quote homeowners insurance online or call for advice

Learn more about home insurance policies.

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Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

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For CA residents, home warranty plans are offered by Progressive Advantage Insurance Agency, Inc., CA License # 0F50053, and underwritten by California Cinch Home Services, Inc. CA license # 3356-3. Calls to the tollfree number here are directed to Cerida Insurance Services, CA License # 0G80295. In other states, contracts underwritten by affiliates of Cinch Home Services, Inc. Claim administration and management of the plans is by Cinch Home Services, Inc. Cinch® is not affiliated with Progressive.

Progressive is not responsible for plan selections, plans sold, claims, the content or operation of the plan website, or how Cinch handles or uses your information. Information you provide to Cinch is subject to its privacy policy and website terms of use and may be shared with Progressive. Cinch pays Progressive for plans sold.

All protection is subject to plan terms and conditions. Availability may vary by state.