Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life, but owning your own home also comes with a great deal of responsibility. Maintaining a safe and comfortable home environment should be high on anyone’s priority list, and one way to help you do that is to purchase a home warranty.

A home warranty is, in essence, a service contract you sign with a warranty company, where you pay a monthly premium in exchange for your appliances and home systems being covered in the event of a breakdown due to normal wear and tear. That means it can shield you from costly repairs if something goes wrong and guarantees that you will solve any problems you encounter quickly. If you’re on the fence, read on for four reasons you should consider a home warranty.

1. Protect yourself from expensive repairs.

It’s no secret that appliance and home system repairs can be pricey, but you may not realize just how expensive. Even a simple fix can cost hundreds of dollars, and if something serious goes wrong, you could be on the hook for thousands. Most families can’t afford to absorb that kind of expense without warning, which is where a home warranty can help to protect you and your bank account from the exorbitant costs of certain types of home repairs. All you’re responsible for is your monthly premium and a service fee, which is far more manageable for most homeowners.

2. Receive service quickly when needed.

One benefit of a home warranty company is that they can help arrange the repair you need, in addition to covering the cost for it. Like these home warranty companies in Texas via AFC Home Club, many companies offer the ability to request service 24/7. Not only that, but certain providers also offered you the ability to choose your own technician. Plumbing and electrical system issues are typically covered by a warranty plan, as are most major appliances like your washer, dryer, air conditioner, microwave, spa, HVAC system, and more.

3. Keep your home safe.

When it comes to home and neighborhood safety, you can never be too careful. Indoor and outdoor appliance and home systems can create serious hazards when things go wrong. From starting fires to causing all kinds of injuries, it can be dangerous for something to stop working unexpectedly. A warranty plan will help you keep all your appliances in good working order and handle any issues that arise quickly, making you and your family that much safer. If you entertain or your kids often have guests, it’s a good idea to put extra effort into creating a safe environment, lest you find yourself liable for anything that goes wrong.

4. Give yourself peace of mind.

Whether you’re redecorating the living room trying to organize your bedroom, having a warranty gives you peace of mind that if something goes wrong, you’re likely to be covered. In combination with homeowners insurance, which guards against risks like theft or natural disaster, a home warranty plan guarantees that even if something breaks down or disaster strikes, you won’t be on your own when it comes to solving the problem.

While home insurance provides coverage and assistance in emergencies, if something routine goes wrong, you’ll likely find yourself responsible for the repair. Given that appliance repairs can easily cost thousands of dollars, it’s not hard to see how one accident could put a family in a poor financial position. A home warranty plan allows you to protect yourself from the potentially limitless expenses of maintaining pricey appliances and home systems. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a home warranty in the case of an unexpected breakdown is worth every penny.