Can You Buy a Home Warranty After Closing on a House?

Buying a home is never easy, especially if it’s your first time. After all the costs and chaos of moving, the last thing you want to think about is any of your shiny new systems or appliances breaking down. But once the sale is final, those appliances and systems are capable of breaking down at any moment—and it’s your responsibility to fix when they do. That's where a home warranty comes in.

Even if you did not include a home warranty at closing, the good news is it’s not too late to get one now. This guide will answer all your burning home warranty questions, including how it works, how it can save you money, and more.

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Key takeaways

When are the best times to buy a home warranty?

The answer to when you can buy a home warranty is any time—whether you’re just getting the keys or you’ve been settled in for years. The real question is: when’s the right time for you?

The truth is, breakdowns don’t follow a schedule. And while we can’t stop them from happening, we can help protect your budget when they do. So if you didn’t get a home warranty at closing, it’s not too late. In fact, because AHS home warranty plans come with a 30-day waiting period, now might be the perfect time.

Here are some of the best times to consider getting a home warranty after buying a house:

When you’re buying

Some buyers bundle a home warranty with their closing costs, but if that ship has sailed, no worries. You can still buy a home warranty after closing. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll have coverage you can count on.

When you’re selling

Offering a home warranty to potential buyers can help your home stand out and give them added peace of mind. It can even help protect your budget during the listing period if a covered item breaks down while you're still living there.

When your included warranty expires

Many newly built homes or recent real estate purchases come with warranty coverage. But when that runs out, you’re on your own—unless you’ve got a plan in place with us.

When your needs change

Maybe you’ve added new appliances, upgraded your HVAC, or just want more coverage than you had before. American Home Shield® home warranty plans are flexible, meaning your home warranty can grow with your home.

The importance of a home warranty

Obtaining a home warranty after buying a house is probably one of the smartest investments you can make. Why? Because your homeowners insurance only covers what could happen (like a fire or flood). A home warranty, on the other hand, covers what will happen (like an appliance breakdown). 

As much as we would all love to believe that a new-to-you home equals no future issues with its major appliances and systems, that’s just not realistic. There’s no way to know for sure how well the previous homeowners maintained their appliances and systems—or whether they cut corners to save a few bucks. And even if everything looks fine, hidden issues can still pop up.

Here’s why you can and should buy a home warranty after closing:

• Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover normal wear and tear—but a home warranty does.
• You can’t always see defects in your appliances and systems, even with a home inspection.
• Breakdowns are inevitable—and repairs or replacements can cost hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.
• A home warranty helps protect your budget when something stops working unexpectedly.
• Covered breakdowns are handled for you, so you don’t have to scramble to find a contractor or pay out of pocket for every repair.

Additionally, you can’t always see the defects in your home’s systems and appliances by looking at them or even by testing them. Repairing an appliance or home system that breaks down suddenly can wreck a carefully calculated budget. Even cheap home repairs can cost a few hundred dollars, and if you end up needing to replace an expensive home system or appliance, that could cost hundreds or even thousands.  

If you get a home warranty after buying a house, you can rest assured that when something goes wrong, you won’t be left figuring it out—and footing the entire bill—on your own.

Options for purchasing a home warranty after closing

Can you buy a home warranty after closing on your home? Of course! You can get a home warranty at any time, whether you’ve lived in your home for a few months or several years. And your coverage options should remain the same as well, no matter what warranty you choose. If you’re looking for consistent home warranty coverage year in and year out, look no further than American Home Shield.

American Home Shield plans

American Home Shield offers three home warranty plans:

And if you want to add on pool and spa coverage, you can do that, too. American Home Shield offers several different plan add-ons designed to allow homeowners to customize their coverage. Guest units, septic systems, well pumps, and even electronics can be covered.  

All you need to pay for most covered repairs or replacements is the service fee, and we’ll cover the rest, subject to the limitations and exclusions of your plan. And there’s no limit on the number of claims you can file during your plan period. Those benefits sound pretty good to us.

Don’t Worry. Be Warranty.

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t do after closing on a house, it's to forego the home warranty. It’s right up there with not changing the locks as a first-time homeowner mistake. When you get an American Home Shield home warranty plan, you get more than just coverage—you get confidence. From HVAC systems and plumbing to kitchen appliances and laundry must-haves, our plans help protect what keeps your home running.

Want to learn more before you commit? Download our Home Warranty Guide to compare plans, see what’s covered, and find the protection that’s right for you.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.