Home warranty appliance coverage
The short answer is: yes, home warranties generally do cover certain appliances, although coverage varies by provider and plan. Basic appliance or combination plan packages typically cover a wide range of appliances, which may include:
Washers and dryers
Refrigerators
Dishwashers
Oven, range and cooktops
Garage door openers
Built-in microwaves
Trash compactors
Garbage disposals
What does a home warranty typically cover?
A home warranty helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing certain home appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage limits, exclusions and service fees apply, so a warranty won’t necessarily pay the full cost of every repair.
What are the common plan types?
Home warranty plans generally fall into three categories:
Appliance plans, which cover items such as refrigerators, washers and built-in microwaves.
Systems plans, which may cover heating and cooling, plumbing and ductwork.
Combination plans, which cover both appliances and systems.
Some home warranty providers offer higher plan tiers that cover additional appliances or equipment. Others let you purchase optional add-on coverage for items not included in a standard plan. Depending on the provider, these options may include central vacuums, pool and spa equipment, stand-alone freezers, septic systems, sump pumps, well pumps and extra heating or cooling units.
Before signing up, compare each plan’s covered items, coverage limits, exclusions and total cost. Check the contract to confirm which appliances and systems are included in the base plan and which require additional coverage.
» COMPARE: Top home warranties for appliances
Appliance warranty coverage exclusions
Even if your plan covers your appliances, you still may have your claim denied. Some reasons for home warranty coverage denial include:
- Preexisting problems with the appliance
- Failure to properly maintain the appliance
- Appliances that are under warranty through a builder’s warranty, third-party warranty or manufacturer’s warranty
- Cosmetic repairs
- Improperly installed appliances
Coverage caps
Your home warranty plan might have a limit on how much it covers for repairs. This is usually called a coverage cap. Basically, if the cost to fix something exceeds the limit or cap, you'll need to cover the difference yourself. Let's say fixing an appliance costs $5,000, but your plan's cap is $3,000. That means you'd be on the hook for the remaining $2,000.
Home warranty claim process for appliance repairs
If a covered appliance breaks down, follow these steps to request repair or replacement:
Review your policy: Make sure your appliance and its problem are covered.
Verify your coverage start date: A 30-day waiting period typically applies before claims can be filed, and repairs or replacements before that date may be treated as pre-existing conditions.
Contact your provider: File a claim online or by phone as soon as the issue happens.
Provide documentation: Be ready to share details about the appliance, its age, the problem and any maintenance records.
Pay the service fee: Most plans require a service call fee (usually $60 to $125) to process your claim and send a technician.
Schedule inspection or repair: The provider will assign a local technician to check the problem. They will decide if a repair or replacement is needed.
Await resolution: Repairs are completed if possible. If the appliance can’t be fixed, you may get a replacement or a cash settlement, depending on your contract.
Timelines can vary, but most providers send a technician within a few days. Having documentation ready and responding quickly can help speed up the process.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover an appliance
If you find out that your home warranty doesn't cover one of your appliances, there's usually an option to switch to a different package or plan that does include it. Some companies also have a la carte options that allow you to add just one appliance to your plan.
It's a smart move to dive into the details before making a switch — check out what exactly is covered, including any coverage limitations, which repairs are taken care of and if there are any specific exclusions. Doing a little homework can help ensure you get the coverage you need.
Choosing a home warranty for appliance coverage
Finding the right home warranty plan takes some research. The best plan for you depends on the types of appliances you have, your budget and how much protection you want. Consider the following when comparing plans:
Appliance coverage: Make sure the plan includes all the major appliances you want covered, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and built-in microwaves.
Coverage limits: Look at the maximum payout or coverage caps for each appliance or repair type.
Annual or monthly cost: Home warranty costs typically range from $350 to $900 per year, or about $30 to $90 per month.
Service fees: Understand the cost of each service call and how it fits into your budget. Service call fees typically range from $75 to $150, but most tend to be around $100.
Optional add-ons: Check if you can add extra coverage for items like pools, spas or secondary appliances.
Company reputation: Research customer reviews and ratings to find a reliable provider.
Contract details: Read the fine print to understand exclusions, maintenance requirements and claim procedures.
Response times: Find out how quickly the company sends technicians after a claim is filed.
FAQ
Do home warranty policies cover leaks from my appliance?
Usually not. The plans do cover the repair or replacement of the appliance to prevent future leaks.
Who is the best home warranty company in America?
As of publishing, some of our top picks for home warranty companies include Cinch Home Services, American Home Shield, HomeSafe and Liberty Home Guard.
Are older appliances covered by a home warranty?
Most home warranty plans cover older appliances as long as they are in good working order when coverage starts. Pre-existing problems or breakdowns before coverage may not be eligible. Always check your policy’s terms.
Is a home warranty the same as homeowners insurance?
Many people wonder if appliances are covered by home warranties or homeowners insurance, but these work differently:
- Home warranty coverage: Home warranties usually cover repairs or replacements for major appliances that break down from normal use. This can include refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers, depending on your plan.
- Homeowners insurance: Standard home insurance does not cover breakdowns from wear and tear. Instead, it may cover appliances only if they are damaged or destroyed by a covered event, like a fire, theft or storm.
Bottom line
With just a bit of regular maintenance and the right home warranty plan, your appliance could keep humming happily along for anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
To really wrap your appliances in a safety net, double-check that your policy covers a broad spectrum of issues. And don't forget to take a close look at those policy caps to make sure you're fully aware of what's covered. This way, you can set yourself up for the best protection possible.
