Home warranties are big business. One out of 5 homes in the U.S. has one of these policies that cover things that homeowners insurance doesn’t, from appliance breakdowns to plumbing problems to electrical issues. Some people swear by their home warranty; others have been ripped off by an industry that isn’t regulated in some states. A home is the largest purchase most people make in a lifetime. While it’s understandable to want to protect that investment, it’s important to know how to determine if you need to buy a home warranty.