If you’ve heard the term ‘home warranty’ during the home buying process, you might be wondering: is a home warranty required when buying a house? The short answer is no—home warranties are optional, but they can offer peace of mind by covering repairs for appliances and major systems due to normal wear and tear. Though paid upfront, it can save you money in the long run.

Quick Answer: No, a home warranty isn’t required—but it can help cover repair costs for appliances and systems due to normal wear and tear. It’s an optional plan some homebuyers choose for peace of mind

Whether you’re buying a home in Tampa, FL, Boise, ID, or Providence, RI, this Redfin guide will explain when a home warranty might be worth it and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

Table of contents

Is a home warranty required? What is and isn’t covered by a home warranty Pros and cons of a home warranty When a home warranty is worth it When to skip a home warranty How to know if a home warranty is right for you Alternatives to home warranty Making the call: do you need a home warranty? FAQs on home warranty A home warranty, sometimes called a home protection plan, is a service contract that covers the major components in your home. If they stop working, the warranty can help cover the cost to fix or replace them. Unlike homeowners insurance, which deals with sudden damage from accidents or natural disasters, a home protection plan focuses on wear-and-tear issues that occur over time.

It can also help you save money by reducing the out-of-pocket expenses you’d otherwise face for unexpected repairs. For example, if your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, a home warranty could cover most of the cost to get it working again, making it easier to handle surprise problems without blowing your budget.