Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance: What’s the Difference for Colorado Homeowners?
Posted May 27, 2026 in Uncategorized
Your home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll make, so as a new homeowner, you want to take steps to protect it. You’ve probably heard of homeowners’ insurance and a home warranty and wonder whether they’re the same thing or if you need both. The terms may be used interchangeably, but in fact, they’re two quite different things. Knowing the distinction between the two can help avoid a costly surprise later and better protect your home today. If you have difficulty getting a claim for either type of coverage approved, speak with our Highlands Ranch, CO warranty lawyer about your legal options.
What Is Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a specific policy that protects your home and personal property from unexpected events such as disasters, accidents, or malicious acts, like burglary. If you have a home loan, your mortgage lender likely requires you to maintain a valid homeowners’ insurance policy for the life of your loan.
Standard homeowners’ policies typically cover damages caused by:
- Fire or smoke
- Windstorms or hail
- Theft or vandalism
- Certain types of water damage
- Liability for injuries that occur on your property
For example, if a severe hailstorm damages your roof (as can happen frequently in the spring in the Denver area), your homeowners’ insurance policy covers repairs. Or if someone breaks into your house, you may be reimbursed for the value of the stolen items (depending on your coverage).
While homeowners’ insurance is great for unexpected disasters, it functions similarly to your car insurance: It doesn’t cover general wear and tear on the house, fixtures, home systems, or appliances.
What Is a Home Warranty?
Home warranties do cover the wear & tear on certain appliances and home systems if they break in the course of normal use. Home warranties are optional and are usually offered when you’re in the home purchasing process, or as an add-on with a new build.
A typical home warranty plan may cover:
- Heating and air conditioning systems
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Water heaters
- Kitchen appliances (refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers)
- Washers and dryers
It’s important to note that a home warranty usually only applies to systems and appliances that come with the house. If you purchase new kitchen appliances later, or opt to have your home configured as a Smart Home, then the warranty you initially purchased may not cover these new upgrades.
What Should I Do if I’m Having Difficulty Getting Home Warranty Coverage?
Home warranty claims are usually submitted through the warranty company when something stops working. Although home warranties give many homeowners peace of mind, it’s not uncommon for the insurance company to deny a claim.
Common reasons the insurer could deny the claim include:
- Allegations that the issue was a pre-existing condition
- Claims that the damage resulted from improper maintenance
- Disputes over whether a system was properly covered under the contract
The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may offer some protections for homeowners whose warranty claim is unfairly denied, but your best bet for a resolution in your specific situation is to contact our Highlands Ranch warranty lawyer.
Help for Homeowners Filing Warranty Claims
If your homeowner’s warranty claim was denied on unfair or inaccurate grounds, the legal team at Volpe Law LLC can help you. We carefully review the terms of the warranty, then develop the right legal strategy to address the situation. Our firm is squarely on your side, helping protect your investment and home. Contact us today for a complimentary discovery call.