A home warranty is not home insurance.
A repair contract for appliances and home systems that wear out, set side by side with the homeowners policy that pays for sudden damage and liability.
Quick answer No, a home warranty is not the same as homeowners insurance: the California Department of Insurance says a home warranty is not an insurance policy and doesn't overlap with or replace homeowners insurance.
- A home warranty is a contract to repair or replace covered systems and appliances, such as a washer, dryer, oven or refrigerator.
- Home warranties are built for wear and tear, deterioration and defects that existed when the home was bought or leased.
- Homeowners insurance covers the house, belongings, living expenses and liability after covered losses, and it usually excludes wear and tear.
- In California, home warranty companies must be licensed by the Department of Insurance, which posts license status and complaint information.
- California home warranty contracts must let you request service by phone without a claim form, and service has to begin within 48 hours of the request.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Two contracts for two different problems
A home warranty, called a home protection contract under California law, is a promise from a home warranty company to repair or replace covered systems and appliances such as a washer, dryer, oven or refrigerator. It is built for wear and tear, deterioration and defects that existed when you bought or leased the home. It is not an insurance policy, and it doesn't overlap with or replace homeowners insurance.
Homeowners insurance works the other way around: it covers the house, belongings, living expenses and liability after covered losses, and it usually excludes wear and tear. In California, home warranty companies still have to be licensed by the Department of Insurance, which posts license status and complaint information so you can check a company before you sign. I shop the homeowners policy, and I'll tell you what to read in a warranty contract before you buy one.
- Home warrantyA service contract to repair or replace covered systems and appliances.
- Homeowners insuranceAn insurance policy for the house, belongings, loss of use and liability.
- OverlapNone, per the California Department of Insurance. One does not replace the other.
- In CaliforniaHome warranty companies must be licensed by the Department of Insurance.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- The home: address, year built, square footage and construction.
- Roof and systems: roof year, and when plumbing, electrical and heating were updated.
- Warranty contract: the sample contract, if you're considering one, so we can read the exclusions.
- Appliances: what you actually have, so you don't pay for coverage you can't use.
- Current policy: your homeowners declarations page, if you have one.
- Timing: closing date or renewal date.
Home warranties, answered
Is a home warranty the same as homeowners insurance?
No. The California Department of Insurance says plainly that a home warranty is not an insurance policy and doesn't overlap with or replace homeowners insurance. A warranty repairs worn-out systems and appliances; homeowners insurance covers the house, belongings and liability after covered losses.
Who regulates home warranty companies in California?
The California Department of Insurance licenses and regulates them, even though the contracts aren't insurance. You can check a company's license by calling 1-800-927-4357 or on the Department's website, which also posts complaint information.
What does a home warranty cover?
Covered systems and appliances such as a washer, dryer, oven or refrigerator, with optional add-ons like air conditioning, a garbage disposal or a garage door opener. Every contract has exclusions, conditions and dollar limits, and buyers often learn about them only when a claim is denied.
What must a California home warranty contract spell out?
The covered items, every exclusion and limitation, the term, the fee and renewal terms, any service fee, and any time or area limits. You must be able to request service by phone without a claim form, and service has to begin within 48 hours of your request.
Do I need a home warranty if I have homeowners insurance?
That's your call, since they cover different things. Compare what's covered against the appliances and systems you really have, and skip add-ons you don't need, such as pool coverage when there's no pool.
What if a home warranty company denies my claim?
Appeal with the company first. If it denies the appeal, California residents can contact the Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357, through its online chat, or with a Request for Assistance.
Do you offer home warranty and homeowners insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state or high-value home insurance by state.
Send the address. I'll shop the insurance.
The address and your closing or renewal date are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.