Do home warranties cover appliances?
Check appliance coverage to avoid costly surprises later
Appliance breakdowns are an unpleasant part of owning a home, but you can make the related costs more digestible by getting a home warranty. These plans cover repair or replacement of most home appliances, like refrigerators, ovens, built-in microwaves and more.
There are some limitations to keep in mind, however. We’ve got some tips on how to get the best home warranty protection for your appliances.
Key insights
- Home warranties cover most common home appliances.
- Some appliances may only be included in an extended package option or plan.
- Some plans include coverage caps that can limit what repair and replacement costs are covered.
What appliances does a home warranty cover?
Home warranty companies typically cover a wide range of appliances in basic plan packages. These include:
- Washers and dryers
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Oven, range and cooktops
- Garage door openers
- Built-in microwaves
- Trash compactors
- Garbage disposals
Some appliances that may be covered in extended plans:
- Central vacuums
- Pool and spa pumps
- Stand-alone freezers
Potential exclusions to appliance home warranty coverage
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.
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.
FAQ
What does a home warranty typically cover?
Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVAC, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. Some plans also cover additional items like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.
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, American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty and Liberty Home Guard top our list of the best home warranty companies.
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.
