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

If you’ve recently purchased a home, you might be wondering if you can buy a home warranty after closing. The short answer is yes. Many homeowners assume they need to purchase a warranty before or during the closing process, but the truth is that you can get one at any time.

A home warranty offers valuable protection for your home’s major systems and appliances, helping to safeguard your budget against the high cost of unexpected repairs. Whether you’ve just moved in or have been in your home for a while, understanding your options after closing is key to making an informed decision.

What Is a Home Warranty?

Before exploring post-closing options, it helps to know what a home warranty covers.

A home warranty is a service contract that pays for repairs or replacements of covered home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. This typically includes HVAC systems like heating and AC, plumbing and electrical systems, water heaters, kitchen appliances, and laundry appliances. 

Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers damage from events like fire or theft, a home warranty covers the mechanical components of your home that keep it running smoothly.

Buying a Home Warranty After Closing

You can purchase a home warranty after closing, whether it’s been one day, one month, or several years since you bought your home. In fact, many homeowners do buy a home warranty once they’ve settled in and understand how their systems and appliances perform.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. You contact a home warranty provider, like Liberty Home Guard, to explore coverage options.
2. You choose a plan that fits your home’s age, size, and specific needs.
3. You enroll and begin coverage, usually after a short waiting period like 30 days. 
   
    

After that, when a covered item breaks down, you simply file a claim and pay a small service fee. The warranty provider sends a licensed technician to repair or replace the item, saving you time and money.

Why Buy a Home Warranty After Closing?

If you didn’t purchase a warranty during your real estate transaction, don’t worry, there are plenty of reasons to buy one later.

Unexpected Breakdowns

Even newer homes can experience system or appliance failures. Having coverage means you’re prepared for whatever happens next.

Budget Protection

Repairing or replacing a furnace or refrigerator can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A home warranty helps manage those costs more predictably.

Peace of Mind

A warranty offers confidence that if something breaks, professional help is just a phone call away.

Flexible Coverage Options

By buying after closing, you can take time to evaluate which systems and appliances you truly want covered.

Can You Get a Home Warranty at Any Time?

Many homeowners also ask if they can get a home warranty at any time. Yes, but timing does affect your coverage start date.

Most providers allow you to purchase a plan whenever you’re ready, but there’s often a short waiting period, typically 30 days, before coverage begins. This helps ensure that warranties are used for unexpected issues, not pre-existing ones.

If your home is older or you’ve noticed aging systems, purchasing a warranty sooner rather than later can help minimize gaps in protection.

How a Post-Closing Home Warranty Works

Once you buy your warranty after closing, the process is straightforward.

1. Coverage begins: After the waiting period, your home’s systems and appliances are officially protected.
2. File a claim: When something breaks, submit a claim online or by phone.
3. Technician visit: Your provider schedules a licensed technician to assess and repair the issue.
4. Pay service fee: You pay a small service fee for each visit, and your warranty covers the rest up to plan limits.

This system ensures you get fast, reliable repairs without having to find your own contractors or pay full retail costs.

What Does a Home Warranty Cost After Closing?

The cost of a home warranty purchased after closing depends on several factors, including the size of your home, its systems, and the level of coverage you choose.

As a general rule, the average annual premium is between $400-$700, and a service call fee could range from $60–$125 per claim.

Add-on coverage like for pools, spas, or well pumps can increase the price slightly. However, the investment often pays off with just one or two covered repairs each year.

What to Look for in a Post-Closing Home Warranty

When choosing a warranty after closing, keep these factors in mind:

• Comprehensive coverage: Ensure the plan includes your major systems and appliances.
• Transparent terms: Look for clear coverage limits and exclusions.
• Strong reputation: Choose a trusted provider with positive reviews and responsive service.
• Flexible add-ons: Select coverage that fits your home’s unique needs.

At Liberty Home Guard, for example, our customizable home warranty plans allow you to protect exactly what matters most, whether you’re moving into a new home or renewing coverage after years of ownership.

Common Misconceptions About Buying a Home Warranty After Closing

Many homeowners hesitate to buy a warranty after closing because of misconceptions. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths about home warranties:

Myth: You must buy a home warranty during the closing process. 
Fact: You can buy one at any time after closing. 
 

Myth: Older homes aren’t eligible. 
Fact: Most providers cover older homes, though coverage limits may vary. 
 

Myth: Home warranties are too expensive. 
Fact: They often cost less than one major repair out-of-pocket. 
 

Is It Worth Getting a Home Warranty After Closing?

For most homeowners, the answer is yes. A home warranty after closing is an affordable way to safeguard your home investment and avoid financial stress from sudden repairs.

Whether your HVAC stops working in the middle of summer or your dishwasher suddenly fails, a home warranty ensures you have reliable help when you need it most.

You don’t have to miss out on home warranty protection just because you’ve already closed on your house. You can purchase coverage anytime, giving yourself the financial security and peace of mind that come with knowing your home’s most important systems and appliances are protected. Explore Liberty Home Guard’s customizable home warranty plans and learn how easy it is to protect your investment year-round.