Can You Buy a Home Warranty After Closing? What to Know

You have closed on your house, the boxes are unpacked, and suddenly your washing machine starts making a terrible grinding noise. Now you are wondering: can you buy a home warranty after closing? The good news is, yes, you are not too late. Unlike homeowners' insurance, which you need from day one, a warranty can be purchased anytime after you own the property. 

Whether you are settling into your first house or you have been in your home for years, adding warranty coverage is always an option. Many people actually prefer to wait until after moving in to decide if a warranty makes sense for their situation. Let's walk through everything you need to know about getting coverage after the papers are signed.

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

Yes, you can purchase coverage after closing, as there is no deadline or cutoff date. You do not need to purchase a home protection plan during escrow or as part of your house purchase. Many homeowners choose to buy warranty weeks or even months after moving in.

A home warranty is a service contract, not an insurance policy tied to a real estate transaction. This means homeowners can purchase them at almost any point during ownership. Some buyers skip it during closing to reduce upfront costs, then add coverage later once monthly expenses settle.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Warranty companies do not cover repairs immediately, and they have a 30-day waiting period before a plan becomes active. 

• They won't cover pre-existing conditions or items they know are already broken. 

• Some providers require a home inspection or will send someone to verify that systems and appliances are currently working.

How Soon After Closing Can You Purchase a Home Warranty?

In most cases, you can buy a home appliance warranty immediately after closing. There is no universal rule that requires waiting a certain number of days before signing up. However, coverage usually does not begin on the same day you purchase the plan, as there is a waiting period before claims can be filed.

So, issues that existed before the coverage start date may not be eligible for service under the plan. So, planning ahead helps. Buying a warranty soon after you move in allows coverage to begin before seasonal system use increases.

When Should You Consider Getting Warranty Coverage?

You can buy home warranties at almost any point, right after you get the keys or even years later. So, if you are wondering, can you buy a home warranty after closing, the answer is a definite yes! The better question here is when it makes sense for your house and budget.

Here are some of the most common times homeowners choose to get a home protection plan after buying a house:

• When you’re buying a house: Some buyers include a warranty during closing, but it’s not required. If you skipped it earlier, you can still purchase it after closing. Buying sooner helps coverage start earlier, especially with waiting periods in place.

• When you’re selling your house: A warranty can make your listing more appealing to buyers. It also helps protect you if a covered system or appliance breaks while the house is still on the market.

• When your needs change: House upgrades, new appliances, or aging systems can change what you need covered. Home appliance warranties can be adjusted to better match how your house is used today.

• When you want predictable home maintenance costs: If you don’t have extra savings or emergency funds set aside for sudden repairs, a warranty can help manage those expenses. It allows you to plan around consistent service fees instead of facing large, unexpected repair bills.

What Does a Home Warranty Typically Cover?

Coverage varies by company and plan level, but most standard home warranties include these items:

Major Systems:

• Heating systems

• Central air conditioning

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing systems and stoppages

• Water heaters

Appliances:

• Refrigerators

• Ovens and ranges

• Dishwashers

• Garbage disposals

• Washer and dryer

• Built-in microwave

• Ceiling fans

Coverage depends on the plan you choose. Optional add-ons might include pool equipment, septic systems, well pumps, or additional refrigerators. Read your contract carefully; some items have coverage caps or specific exclusions.

What's usually NOT covered: 

• Cosmetic issues

• Improper installation

• Lack of maintenance

• Known pre-existing problems

• Items outside normal wear and tear.

Top Benefits of Buying Home Warranties After Moving In

While home warranties are optional, many buyers choose them for added financial breathing room once they move in. Here are some practical reasons homeowners often opt for coverage at closing.

• Budget Protection from Day One - Closing costs and moving expenses can drain savings fast. A warranty for your home protection helps limit sudden repair bills early on, often requiring only a service fee instead of full repair costs.

• Coverage for Everyday Systems and Appliances - Major systems and essential appliances get heavy use right after move-in. Coverage helps manage repair or replacement costs when things stop working sooner than expected.

• Covers What Insurance Usually Doesn’t - Home insurance focuses on major damage, not wear from daily use. A home warranty company fills that gap by covering aging systems and appliances as they break down over time.

• Helpful for Homes with Aging Appliances - Older homes often come with systems or appliances near the end of their lifespan. Having coverage in place helps reduce the cost impact when those items need attention.

• No Last-Minute Search for Technicians - When something fails, finding a reliable professional can be stressful. With a warranty in place, service requests are handled through a network of vetted technicians. Their customer service is responsive and quick to act, promptly handling claims and assigning a contractor without delays.

The Bottom Line: Making the Right Decision for Your Home

Buying a home warranty later gives you room to decide without pressure. You can review your home, compare plans, and choose coverage that fits your budget. There's no pressure to decide during the already hectic closing process, and you can shop around for the best coverage.

If you’re still thinking, “can you buy a home warranty after closing?”, it’s entirely possible.  The flexibility to choose coverage at the right time can help you stay prepared and manage future repair costs more easily.