What’s Covered (and Not Covered) by Appliance Insurance
Appliance insurance can be a real lifesaver when your fridge stops cooling or your washing machine starts leaking unexpectedly. But before you count on it to save the day, it’s important to understand what’s actually covered and what isn’t.
This guide breaks down the key inclusions and exclusions of most appliance insurance policies so you know exactly what you’re getting (and what gaps might still exist).
What Is Appliance Insurance?
Appliance insurance is a service contract or protection plan that covers the cost to repair or replace certain household appliances if they break down due to normal wear and tear. It’s often sold by retailers, manufacturers, or third-party providers and typically kicks in after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Unlike a full home warranty, appliance insurance focuses specifically on individual or grouped appliances—not your home’s plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems (unless added as extras).
What’s Typically Covered by Appliance Insurance?
While coverage varies by provider and plan, here are the appliances most commonly protected:
Covered Appliances
- Refrigerators and Freezers
Includes cooling components, ice makers, and internal parts that fail from normal use. - Dishwashers
Covers pumps, heating elements, and control boards that break down. - Ovens, Ranges, and Cooktops
Includes heating elements, control panels, and burners. - Microwaves (built-in or over-the-range)
Protection for magnetrons, turntables, and electronic displays. - Washing Machines
Covers motors, drums, timers, and valves. - Dryers (electric or gas)
Includes heating elements, belts, and sensors. - Garage Door Openers and Trash Compactors
Less common but sometimes included in higher-tier plans.
Some premium plans also extend to smart appliances, offering coverage for Wi-Fi connectivity issues or smart panel malfunctions.
Optional Add-ons (if offered by provider)
- HVAC units (mini-split systems or wall units)
- Second refrigerators or wine coolers
- Standalone freezers
- Water dispensers or purification systems
Common Policy Benefits
- Repair or replacement costs: Most policies cover parts and labor.
- No deductible or low service fees: Many plans don’t charge a fee unless bundled with home warranties.
- 24/7 claims service: Available from top providers like Asurion, Upsie, or SquareTrade.
- Transferable coverage: If you sell your home or appliance, coverage may be transferred.
What Appliance Insurance Does Not Cover
Even the best plans have limitations. Here’s what’s usually excluded:
Common Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions
If the appliance was already malfunctioning before the policy started, it won’t be covered. - Poor maintenance or misuse
Damage from neglect like clogged filters or overloaded machines is typically denied. - Cosmetic damage
Scratches, dents, and discoloration that don’t affect performance aren’t covered. - Acts of nature
Floods, fires, lightning, and earthquakes usually fall under homeowners insurance, not appliance insurance. - Installation errors
If an appliance breaks down due to improper setup or non-authorized service, it’s likely not covered. - Consumable parts
Filters, bulbs, hoses, and knobs often fall outside of coverage unless directly tied to the failure. - Commercial use
Using residential appliances in a business setting typically voids the coverage. - Pest damage
If mice chew through wires or insects nest inside, expect a denial.
Real-World Example: Covered vs. Not Covered
Scenario A – Covered
Your washer’s motor burns out after five years of regular use. It’s covered under your appliance insurance, and the company dispatches a technician who replaces the motor at no cost to you.
Scenario B – Not Covered
You notice water leaking from your fridge but realize the leak has been happening slowly for months and damaged your hardwood floor. The appliance repair may be covered—but water damage to your floor would need to go through your homeowners insurance, and even then, long-term leaks often aren’t covered.
Tips to Avoid Claim Denials
- Register your product and coverage as soon as you buy it.
- Read the fine print to understand limitations, claim caps, and required documentation.
- Keep receipts and maintenance logs in case you need to prove care or service history.
- Act quickly when you notice issues delaying repairs can turn a small problem into a denial-worthy disaster.
What If You Need Broader Coverage?
Appliance insurance works well when you want to protect a few key devices. But if your home has aging systems like an old furnace or unreliable plumbing, consider a home warranty instead.
A home warranty offers appliance protection and covers major home systems that appliance insurance doesn’t touch. It may also be a better value if you want to bundle everything under one roof.
Bottom Line
Appliance insurance can be a smart, affordable way to protect high-use household appliances—but only if you know its limits. For targeted protection, it’s a great fit. Just make sure you aren’t relying on it for things it doesn’t cover, like flood damage or structural system failures.
If your needs go beyond the kitchen or laundry room, consider comparing home warranty providers that offer more robust protection.
Next up: How to Choose the Right Home Warranty Provider
Learn how to pick a trustworthy company that offers real value, fair claim practices, and solid coverage for both appliances and home systems.
