Home Insurance Vs. Home Warranty: What's The Difference?
June 5, 2023
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​When you own a home, you want to protect your investment from any unexpected damages or repairs. Home insurance and home warranties are two common options for homeowners to consider. However, it's important to understand the differences between the two and what each can offer.


Home Insurance

Home insurance is designed to protect you financially against unexpected events that can damage or destroy your home, such as fires, theft, or natural disasters. Home insurance policies typically cover the structure of your home, personal belongings, and liability for injuries to others on your property. Most mortgage lenders require home insurance as a condition of their loan.


Home insurance policies come with a deductible, which is the amount you are responsible for paying before the insurance company starts covering the costs. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and a $10,000 claim, you would pay $1,000 out of pocket, and the insurance company would cover the remaining $9,000.


Home Warranty

A home warranty, on the other hand, is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances in your home that break down due to normal wear and tear. This includes things like your heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, and appliances. Home warranties do not cover damage caused by natural disasters or accidents.


Home warranties typically have a fixed term, usually one year, and come with a service fee, which is the amount you pay for each repair or service call. The cost of the home warranty depends on the level of coverage and the age and condition of your home and appliances.



Key Differences

The main difference between home insurance and home warranties is the type of coverage they provide. Home insurance protects against unexpected events that can cause damage to your home or personal property, while home warranties cover the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear.


Another difference is the way in which claims are handled. Home insurance claims are typically filed after a specific event, such as a fire or theft. In contrast, home warranty claims are made when an appliance or system breaks down due to normal use.


It's also important to note that home warranties are optional, while home insurance is usually required by mortgage lenders. Home warranties are typically purchased separately from home insurance and can be renewed annually.



Which One Do You Need?

Both home insurance and home warranties can provide valuable protection for homeowners, but they serve different purposes. Home insurance is essential for protecting your home and personal property against unexpected events, while a home warranty can provide peace of mind by covering the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances.


If you are a homeowner, it's a good idea to have both home insurance and a home warranty. Home insurance provides broad coverage for unexpected events, while a home warranty can help with the costs of repairing or replacing appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.


In conclusion, home insurance and home warranties serve different purposes and can provide valuable protection for homeowners. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make informed decisions about which type of coverage is best for your needs.



At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we do our best to make sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (409) 945-4746 or Click Here to request a free quote. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!

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If you live near the Texas Gulf Coast, you’re no stranger to high winds, tropical storms, and hurricanes . Homeowners in coastal areas like Texas City, Texas, face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their properties. One of the most common questions people ask is whether windstorm insurance can be combined with other types of coverage—like homeowners, flood, or renters insurance—for better protection and easier management. The short answer? Yes, in many cases you can combine or coordinate windstorm insurance with other policies—but it’s important to understand how each type works and what’s covered. Understanding Windstorm Insurance Windstorm insurance provides protection against damage caused by strong winds, hurricanes, hail, and tornadoes. These events can cause extensive damage to roofs, siding, windows, and other structural elements of a home. In Texas, especially along the coast, many standard homeowners insurance policies exclude windstorm and hail coverage. Instead, property owners often need to purchase separate windstorm insurance through private insurers or through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Key Features of Windstorm Insurance Covers structural dam age caused by wind, hail, and flying debris Typically includes roof, windows, walls, and foundation repairs May include detached structures like garages or sheds Does not cover flood damage ca used by storm surge or rising water How Windstorm Insurance Works in Texas In coastal regions of Texas, homeowners often get windstorm coverage through TWIA, which is a state-managed program created to ensure residents can obtain insurance when private companies won’t provide it. To qualify for a TWIA policy, your property usually needs to: Be located in an eligi ble coastal county (such as Galveston County, where Texas City, Texas, is located) Meet specific building code requirements for wind resistance Be certified by the Texas Depart ment of Insurance (TDI) Can You Combine Windstorm Insurance with Other Policies? Yes—but not in the way many people expect. Windstorm insurance can be layered or coordinated with other types of coverage to create a more complete protection plan. Here’s how it typically works: 1. Homeowners Insurance + Windstorm Insurance Your homeowners policy covers general perils like fire, theft, and water leaks—but often excludes wind or hail damage if you live near the coast. Adding a windstorm policy ensures your property is protected from hurricane-force winds and other severe weather. Together, they provide a more comprehensive safety net for your home. 2. Windstorm Insurance + Flood Insurance It’s a common misconception that flood damage is covered under windstorm insurance—it’s not. Flood damage is handled through a separate flood insurance policy, typically backed by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Example: A hurricane hits Texas City, Texas, and your home suffers both roof damage from high winds and flooding from storm surge. You r windstorm policy would cover the roof and structural wind damage. Your floo d policy would cover water damage caused by rising floodwaters. To be fully protected, many coastal homeowners carry both windstorm and flood insurance in addition to their homeowners policy. 3. Renters and Condo Owners If you rent or own a condo near the coast: Renters: You can purchase a renters insurance policy for your personal belongings and add windstorm coverage if required by your lease or property manager. Condo Owners: Your condo association’s master policy may cover exterior wind damage, but you’ll likely need your own unit owner’s policy for interior damage and personal property. Benefits of Combining Coverage When properly coordinated, these policies offer: Compreh ensive protection: Covers wind, flood, and general property damage. Streamlined claims: Easier coordination between insurers when damage comes from multiple sources. Peace of mind: Confidence knowing you’re protected from Texas’s unpredictable weather. Customizable options: You can tailor deductibles and limits to fit your budget and risk level. Important Considerations Before Combining Policies Review y our exclusions: Make sure you know what each policy covers and excludes. Understand deductibles: Windstorm policies often have percentage-based deductibles, especially in hurricane zones. Keep documentation: Maintain proof of property inspections, certifications, and maintenance for claims. Work with a licensed local agent: An experienced insurance professional in Texas City, Texas, can help you compare coverage options, ensure compliance with TWIA requirements, and bundle policies where possible. Check for discounts: Some i nsurers offer multi-policy discounts when you bundle homeowners, auto, or flood insurance. The Bottom Line For homeowners along the Texas Gulf Coast, windstorm insurance is essential, but it shouldn’t stand alone. Combining it with homeowners and flood insurance creates a stronger shield against the financial fallout of hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds. If you live in or near Texas City, Texas, talk to a local insurance professional about your options. They can help ensure your home and belongings are fully protected—no matter what the next storm season brings. At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get insurance that fits your needs. 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