Becoming a homeowner is a goal for many Americans, but the process can be challenging, especially when it comes to the financial side of things. There are many options for different types of protection for your property, but understanding what type of coverage each offers and what’s best for your situation varies significantly between individuals.
Your home protection plan should consider, above all else, your safety needs, but the reality is that many people have to be conscious of their budget too. No matter your situation, it’s important that you understand what types of protection are available to you. Read on to learn more about the differences between home warranties and home insurance and how to figure out if either one is right for you.
What is the difference between a home warranty and home insurance?
When considering how to best protect your home, it can be confusing to know what type of protection is worth investing in. Understanding the benefits of different types of loans, warranties, and insurance is essential if you’re serious about keeping yourself and your family safe. A home warranty helps to reduce your expenses in the case of covered home systems and appliances that need repair or sustain damage as a result of wear and tear. Home insurance primarily protects your home from outside events and things that happen to it.
Home insurance typically addresses four major areas: theft, storms, fires, and natural disasters. The areas home insurance usually covers include theft of personal property, the interior and exterior of your home, loss or damage, and liability in case someone is injured at your home or on your property. Home warranties, on the other hand, are essentially a service contract. This service contract provides for the repair and replacement of many common home systems and appliances.
Should you invest in a home warranty or home insurance?
When it comes to home warranties, anyone with fixtures in their home that may need frequent maintenance is likely to save money by investing in a warranty of some type. It’s important to include maintenance when calculating your expenses as a homeowner. It’s always a good idea to look for home maintenance budgeting tips, and one of the best ways to protect yourself from unexpectedly high repair costs is a warranty. Some appliances and fixtures that are likely to carry that risk include HVAC systems, furnaces, water heaters, dishwashers, and many plumbing systems.
Insurance is a high priority for most homeowners due to the fear of an expensive repair or extensive damage as the result of a natural disaster or emergency. While it isn’t required by law to have a home insurance policy, the protection and peace of mind make it worth the cost for most families.
What company you use for warranties or insurance matters, so it’s necessary for you to do research about the options that are available to you. Services like AFC Home Club can help homeowners looking for home warranty protection plans. AFC offers additional services for homeowners who purchase a plan including being able to select the technician who will handle your service request and 24/7 booking access online and by phone. Insurance rates can also vary depending on the broker you use, so be sure to comparison shop before you agree to purchase a policy.
Understanding the differences between varying types of home protection like warranties and insurance policies can be confusing for first-time homeowners or prospective buyers who aren’t sure what their needs will be. If you’ve invested in-home systems and appliances that need regular maintenance to function effectively, a home warranty can provide savings if something should ever go wrong.
A home insurance policy offers protection in the case of extreme events like theft or natural disasters and gives you the peace of mind that you and your family will be covered and have meaningful assistance in dealing with the damage and the costs. Ultimately, you have to evaluate your individual circumstances and talk with an expert about what type of home protection is right for you and your home, but it’s more than worth the time and effort to do so.
