American Home Shield is our pick for the best home appliance insurance company thanks to its generous coverage limits and protection for certain preexisting conditions. Choice Home Warranty also made our list as a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want appliance coverage bundled with system protection. Home appliance insurance, also known as a home warranty, helps cover the repair or replacement of major household appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens, when they break from normal wear and tear.
To find the best home appliance insurance companies, we compared coverage, pricing, and customer experiences across leading providers. We also surveyed 2,000 home warranty customers nationwide and tested claim processes firsthand. Read on to compare our top picks and find the best home warranty provider for your appliances.
Top Home Appliance Insurance Providers
To find the best home appliance insurance, we reviewed and scored 13 of the top home warranty providers based on plan details, coverage value, and customer support. We chose the following companies as our top picks:
- American Home Shield — Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty — Best Basic Plan Coverage
- First American Home Warranty — Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty — Best Technician Flexibility
Coverage and Cost Details
- Average Cost: Home appliance insurance typically costs $45–$70 per month, depending on the plan type and the provider.
- What is Covered: Plans typically cover major appliances like refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers, and dryers, including essential mechanical and electrical components such as motors, compressors, and control boards.
- Why Coverage is Needed: Appliance insurance helps cover breakdowns from normal wear and tear, which aren’t included in manufacturer’s warranties or homeowners insurance.
- Typical Service Fees: Service call fees typically range from $75–$125 per visit, though some providers may charge higher fees or set different terms for high-end appliance repairs.
Key Considerations
- Coverage needs: According to our 2026 home warranty survey, refrigerators were the most commonly prioritized appliance, with 51% of homeowners selecting coverage for this frequently used and costly item.
- Coverage limits to review: Appliance plans often exclude cosmetic parts, preexisting conditions, and secondary features, making it important to review contract details before purchasing.
- Plan preferences: While appliance coverage is important, most homeowners choose combination plans that cover both systems and appliances for more comprehensive protection.
Compare Home Appliance Insurance Companies
The table below compares our top home appliance insurance companies based on key factors like national average monthly costs, service call fee rates, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Since you pay a service fee with every technician visit, it’s important to know what to expect when filing a claim for an appliance repair.
| Provider | Our Score | Monthly Plan Cost | Service Call Fee | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36–$100 | $100–$125 | B | ||
$60–$68 | $100 | B | ||
$77–$130 | $100–$125 | A- | ||
$44–$82 | $75–$125 | B |
Our Review of the Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies
When reviewing home appliance insurance companies, we looked at the factors that matter most to homeowners, like affordability, coverage specifics, and service quality. We also focused on what sets each provider apart, including notable and unique appliance protections, optional add-ons, and generous coverage limits.
American Home Shield
Appliance Coverage Overview
- Covers appliances and systems with preexisting issues and damage
- Offers two plans with appliance protection included
- Provides high appliance coverage caps of up to $4,000
Keep in Mind
- Has no add-on coverage options for additional appliances
- Doesn’t provide an appliance-only plan
Our American Home Shield Review
American Home Shield is our top pick for major appliance coverage, offering generous $4,000 limits and broader protection than most competitors. It covers unknown preexisting conditions and physical damage, which most providers exclude, as long as the issue isn’t detectable through a visual inspection or simple test. This makes it a solid choice for owners of older appliances or anyone unsure about the condition of their equipment.
You’ll pay more for American Home Shield’s full coverage, as it has some of this list’s highest middle- and top-tier monthly costs. Since the company doesn’t offer an appliance-only plan, you’ll need to purchase comprehensive coverage that includes home systems as well. Its add-on catalog is also limited, with no options for secondary appliances.
Plan Details and Cost
While American Home Shield offers three possible plans, the lowest plan only includes system coverage.
Below are details for the two plans with appliance coverage:
- ShieldGold ($50 per month): The ShieldGold plan covers 14 major systems and nine appliances, including kitchen refrigerators, built-in microwaves, HVAC systems, electrical, and plumbing.
- ShieldPlatinum ($100 per month): Its top-tier plan includes all of the ShieldGold coverage plus additional benefits such as roof-leak protection and annual HVAC tuneups.
The American Home Shield sample contract outlines the appliance coverage differences between its plans. While the ShieldGold plan covers up to $2,000 in appliance protection, the ShieldPlatinum plan offers the highest limit at $4,000. Both plans cover all parts of the listed appliances, making them some of the best appliance coverage options among our top providers.
Service call fees are $100 or $125 per visit, payable for each repair. Additionally, AHS offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee, meaning if your appliance faces further issues, they will repair it for free.
The company’s add-on catalog is the smallest in this review, with only six options available. These add-ons focus on more common needs, such as septic pumps and roof-leak repair, and don’t include additional appliance coverage. Pricing for add-ons ranges from $5 to $24 per month, with coverage limits varying from $500 to $3,000.
Below are some of its add-on options:
- Guest unit
- Pool and built-in spa equipment
- Roof-leak repair
- Septic pump
- Well pump
Choice Home Warranty
Appliance Coverage Overview
- Costs less than $70 per month for its combined appliance and systems coverage
- Offers a $3,000 coverage cap for all standard appliances
- Provides add-on coverage for secondary appliances
Keep in Mind
- Excludes refrigerator coverage from its lowest plan
- Limits plan options to combination plans
Our Choice Home Warranty Review
Choice Home Warranty offers combined appliance and system coverage at a lower monthly cost than many competitors. Its plans start under $70 per month and include up to $3,000 per covered appliance each year. While its coverage limits aren’t as high as American Home Shield’s, its more affordable pricing may appeal to budget-conscious homeowners.
That said, its Basic Plan excludes key appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers. You’ll need to upgrade to the Total Plan for full coverage. Since both plans bundle systems and appliances together, you might end up paying for coverage you don’t need.
Choice is currently involved in a consumer fraud lawsuit filed by the Arizona Attorney General’s office. We recommend thoroughly researching any potential company before signing a contract.
Plan Details and Cost
Both of Choice Home Warranty’s plans covered various appliances. Here’s a breakdown of each option.
- Basic Plan ($60 per month): This plan covers 14 appliances and systems, including heating systems, dishwashers, and plumbing.
- Total Plan ($68 per month): This top-tier plan adds coverage for ACs, washers, dryers, and kitchen refrigerators.
After reviewing the Choice Home Warranty sample contract, we found that it covers most parts of built-in microwaves, refrigerators, ranges, ovens, exhaust fans, washers, dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and ceiling and attic fans, with a few exclusions. It doesn’t cover parts like trays, switches, sensors, and gaskets.
Choice Home Warranty charges a $100 service fee for all plans and offers a 90-day parts workmanship guarantee and a 60-day labor guarantee, with no additional fees for repairs within those periods.
The company offers 10 add-on options, which is typical of most home warranty providers (eight to 12 options). Their appliance coverage includes second refrigerator and standalone freezer protection for $3 per month. However, these add-ons come with a $500 coverage limit, which is lower than what other providers typically offer for appliances.
We’ve highlighted its appliance add-ons and other options below:
- Limited roof leak
- Pool and spa
- Standalone freezer
- Second refrigerator
- Well pump
First American Home Warranty
Appliance Coverage Overview
- Covers appliances regardless of an item’s age
- Includes unlimited coverage for washers and dryers under its highest plan tier
- Provides up to $7,000 in appliance coverage under its highest plan
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover many appliance parts in the Starter Plan
- Excludes laundry appliances and water heaters from its lowest plan
Our First American Home Warranty Review
We recommend First American Home Warranty if you need generous coverage for high-end appliances. Its Premium Plan offers up to $7,000 for most appliances and unlimited coverage for washers and dryers. It’s also the only provider on our list that covers trash compactors.
First American’s Advantage upgrade protects appliances damaged by improper installation or modification and covers the removal of old appliances during replacements. The company also offers add-on coverage for up to three secondary refrigeration units.
However, its entry-level Starter Plan includes limited appliance coverage and excludes essentials like clothes washers, dryers, and water heaters. It also omits many replacement parts, such as lights, knobs, dials, and clocks. You must move to one of the more expensive plan tiers to receive better appliance protection.
Plan Details and Cost
First American offers three combined plans that include appliance protection:
- Starter Plan ($77 per month): This plan covers eight appliances and four systems, including heaters, but it excludes refrigerators, water heaters, washers, and dryers.
- Essential Plan ($100 per month): This plan protects 11 appliances and six systems, such as kitchen refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
- Premium Plan ($130 per month): The highest-tier plan protects 11 appliances and eight systems and covers luxury appliances, plus out-of-pocket expenses for code upgrades and haul-aways.
The First American Home Warranty sample contract outlines coverage caps by plan tier. Appliances have a $3,500 limit under the Starter and Essential Plans and a $7,000 cap under the Premium Plan. The company covers some preexisting conditions, such as rust and sediment damage, but only if they were undetectable by visual inspection or a simple mechanical test when the coverage began. Each plan includes a 30-day workmanship guarantee and lets you choose between a $100 or $125 service call fee.
The company offers nine add-on options, including coverage for up to three additional refrigeration appliances. These options include a second refrigerator, wet bar fridge, wine fridge, free-standing freezer, or free-standing ice maker. Each costs $4 per month and includes a $500 coverage limit. You can add the First American Advantage upgrade to the Essential or Premium Plans at no charge.
Here are a few of First American Home Warranty’s add-on options:
- Additional refrigeration (for up to three appliances)
- Pool equipment (for up to two pools)
- Septic system
- Water softener
- Well pump
AFC Home Warranty
Appliance Coverage Overview
- Allows you to choose your own technician
- Has an unlimited workmanship guarantee
- Offers four plans with included appliance coverage
Keep in Mind
- Includes a depreciation policy for older appliances
- Requires 24-hour claims submission when an issue is detected
Our AFC Home Warranty Review
AFC Home Warranty offers strong pricing flexibility with four plan options, including an appliance-only plan. It stands out for its plan length workmanship guarantee, the longest in this review, which ensures you won’t pay additional service fees if a repair needs follow-up work. The company also lets you choose your own service technician, a valuable perk if you have a trusted local appliance pro.
While AFC Home Warranty offers an appliance-only Silver Plan, the coverage is relatively limited. This basic plan does not include built-in microwaves, exhaust fans, or hot and cold water dispensers. It also applies a depreciation policy to items five years or older, which reduces your payout based on the appliance’s age. If you have older appliances that need reliable protection, we don’t recommend AFC Home Warranty, as you may face higher out-of-pocket costs over time.
Plan Details and Cost
All four AFC Home Warranty plans offer appliance protection. Here’s an overview of each plan option:
- Silver Plan (call for a quote): The basic plan covers nine appliances, including the kitchen refrigerator, range, washer, and dryer.
- Gold Plan ($44 per month): The next tier covers 15 appliances and home systems, including electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating.
- Platinum Plan ($51 per month): This tier expands coverage to 20 appliances and systems, adding built-in microwaves and ice makers.
- Diamond Plan ($82 per month): The highest tier offers Platinum Plan coverage plus protection for electronics, exterior sewer lines, and exterior water lines.
After reviewing the AFC Home Warranty sample contract, we found that AFC’s coverage limits vary by item. Appliance coverage ranges from $150 to $3,000, depending on the specific appliance. Like most home warranty providers, AFC does not cover damage caused by poor maintenance or cosmetic issues such as scratches and dents that don’t affect functionality.
In addition, you must report appliance issues within one day of discovering them, or your claim may be denied. The company lets you choose between a $75 or $125 service call fee.
The company offers eight add-on options, but only one applies to appliances. You can add coverage for a standalone freezer for $25 per year, which includes a $500 coverage limit. Other add-ons range in price from $25 to $150 per year, with coverage limits between $150 and $500.
Here’s a sample of available add-ons below:
- Electronics
- In-ground spa
- Standalone freezer
- Septic system
- Sump pump
Which Appliance Parts Does a Home Warranty Cover?
Home appliance coverage can vary depending on the warranty company and the plan tier you choose. Basic plans typically cover major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers, but they often only include the core mechanical and electrical components.
These components include motors, fans, compressors, heating elements, switches, and control boards, which are essential for the appliance’s functionality. Premium plans tend to offer broader coverage, including features like digital displays, internal sensors, and other specialized components.
However, cosmetic parts such as knobs, doors, shelves, trays, and handles are usually excluded from coverage. Coverage also doesn’t extend to issues caused by rust, mold, or improper installation unless specifically included in the contract.
Additionally, coverage details can vary by brand or appliance type. For example, a basic plan may not cover built-in ice makers, smart features, or drawer-style dishwashers unless you purchase this coverage as add-ons. We recommend checking the sample contract to see if high-end or secondary components require additional coverage.
Our Experience Filing Appliance-Related Home Warranty Claims
To better understand how appliance coverage works, our team filed real claims with several home warranty providers. This allowed us to evaluate not just what companies promise in their contracts, but how they handle claim approvals, replacements, and contractor coordination when a major appliance breaks down.
Testing First American Home Warranty
Our First American Home Warranty tester filed a claim for an older dryer after it stopped working. The technician recommended a full replacement, and the company approved the request without requiring receipts or additional documentation. Once the diagnosis was submitted, the process moved forward without additional clarification requests from the company.
First American ordered a new dryer directly from GE, and the unit arrived soon after with installation included. Our tester paid only his pre-set $85 service fee. While the original dryer cost an estimated $400–$500 at the time of purchase, the replacement model was valued closer to $1,000, reflecting updated pricing and newer equipment for much less than paying for the replacement service out-of-pocket.
Testing Choice Home Warranty
Our Choice Home Warranty tester filed appliance claims for a refrigerator, a freezer, an oven, and a dishwasher. She submitted the claims by phone, as she found that scheduling a technician moved faster that way, though hold times could become lengthy.
However, her claims experience varied. Some appliances were repaired during the initial service appointment, while others required multiple visits before resolution. In these cases, claims resulted in repair attempts rather than full replacements, and the overall experience varied depending on the assigned contractor’s responsiveness and follow-through.
Homeowner Insights
In our 2026 home warranty survey, nearly 63% of appliance-related claims were resolved within one week, while 26% took two to three weeks. Just 3% of homeowners waited more than a month for a resolution.
How Much Does Home Appliance Insurance Cost?
A home warranty plan with appliance coverage typically ranges from $45–$70 per month, depending on the provider and the level of coverage. This is slightly lower than average home warranty costs, which can range from $47–$82.
While basic home appliance plans may cover essential appliances, premium plans offer more extensive protection, including high-end components, additional appliances, or higher coverage limits.
Home appliance coverage can help offset the cost of unexpected repairs or replacements, especially for major kitchen and laundry appliances. The table below shows typical repair costs for some of the most commonly covered household appliances.
The table below outlines average appliance repair costs based on our research into market pricing.
| Appliance | Typical Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher | $100–$300 |
| Oven | $100–$400 |
| Cooktop/range | $100–$430 |
| Refrigerator | $200–$500 |
| Washer/dryer | $100–$650 |
Note: The above costs are based on national estimates and may vary depending on the appliance, necessary repairs, local labor rates, and your location.
Most Affordable Home Warranties for Appliances
Many home warranty companies offer basic appliance protection through either standalone appliance-only plans or low-cost comprehensive packages. If your primary goal is to cover essential appliances, focus on plans that specialize in appliance coverage rather than comprehensive system protection. While these plans provide minimal coverage for other home components, they’re ideal for budget-conscious homeowners who want affordable protection for major household appliances.
The table below compares affordable appliance coverage options from top-rated home warranty companies.
| Home Warranty Company | Plan Name | Plan Type | Number of Appliances Covered | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | ShieldGold | Comprehensive | 9 | $50 |
| Choice Home Warranty | Basic Plan | Comprehensive | 6 | $60 |
| First American Home Warranty | Starter Plan | Comprehensive | 8 | $77 |
| AFC Home Warranty | Silver Plan | Appliance-only | 9 | Call for quote |
Maximum Appliance Payouts by Home Warranty Provider
What you pay monthly is only part of the equation when figuring out how much value a home warranty offers. Comparing each provider’s maximum appliance payout can help you estimate the financial protection you’ll receive if a covered appliance needs an expensive repair or replacement.
The table below compares maximum coverage limits for several common household appliances from our top-rated home warranty providers.
| Appliance | American Home Shield Maximum Payout | First American Home Warranty Maximum Payout | Choice Home Warranty Maximum Payout | AFC Home Warranty Maximum Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Refridgerator |
Up to $4,000 |
Up to $7,000 |
Up to $3,000 |
Up to $3,000 |
|
Clothes washer |
Up to $4,000 |
Up to $7,000 |
Up to $3,000 |
Up to $3,000 |
|
Dishwasher |
Up to $4,000 |
Up to $7,000 |
Up to $3,000 |
Up to $3,000 |
|
Built-in microwave |
Up to $4,000 |
Up to $7,000 |
Up to $3,000 |
Up to $500 |
Most of our top picks apply the same maximum payout amount to covered appliances under your plan. AFC Home Warranty generally follows the same approach, offering up to $3,000 per covered appliance, but certain items, including built in microwaves, have lower coverage limits. We recommend reviewing a provider’s sample contract to understand any appliance-specific coverage limits before purchasing a plan.
Home Warranties vs. Other Types of Appliance Protection
When shopping for home appliance insurance, it’s important to understand how a home warranty compares to other forms of appliance protection. While all of these options provide some level of coverage, each type of warranty can differ significantly in scope, duration, and the claims process.
Most new appliances include a manufacturer’s warranty that typically lasts one year. This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship but doesn’t cover breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. Once the warranty expires, you’ll need to pay for repairs unless you purchase additional protection.
An extended warranty is an optional coverage plan you purchase from a retailer or manufacturer. It extends the original manufacturer’s warranty for a few additional years and typically covers mechanical failures and defects for a single appliance. Unlike a home warranty, it doesn’t cover multiple appliances or home systems under one plan.
Companies like as Asurion, Allstate Protection Plans (formerly SquareTrade), and Upsie offer protection plans for individual appliances. These plans typically cover mechanical breakdowns and, in some cases, accidental damage, but don’t protect multiple appliances or major home systems. Coverage applies only to the enrolled appliance, although some providers offer bundled plans for multiple items.
Homeowners insurance protects against appliance damage caused by covered perils like storms, fire, theft, vandalism, and certain types of water damage. However, it doesn’t cover appliance failures caused by age, normal wear and tear, or mechanical breakdowns. That’s where a home warranty can help.
Why Choose a Home Warranty?
Home warranties offer broader protection than the options above because they cover multiple appliances and often major home systems under a single plan. Unlike manufacturer and extended warranties, they cover breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear after an appliance’s original warranty expires. Most providers also coordinate repairs through a network of service technicians, so you don’t have to find and schedule a contractor yourself.
Reading the Fine Print of Your Appliance Coverage Plan
When reviewing a home warranty with appliance coverage, it’s important to read the fine print to understand any exclusions. Many home warranty plans include limitations that outline the maximum amount a provider will cover for a repair or replacement, and knowing these amounts upfront can help you avoid surprises, denied claims, or out-of-pocket costs. We’ve highlighted some standard home warranty appliance exclusions below.
- Cosmetic components: This includes knobs, handles, doors, shelves, trays, and other non-essential parts that don’t affect an appliance’s functionality.
- Damage from rust, corrosion, mold, or pests: These are considered maintenance issues and fall outside standard warranty coverage.
- Improper installation or code violations: If an appliance wasn’t installed correctly or doesn’t meet current building codes, a home warranty likely won’t cover it. Our survey shows that installation issues and code violations are a common reasons for appliance claim denials.
- Issues covered by homeowners insurance: Events like fire, flooding, or theft fall under a homeowners insurance policy, not a home warranty.
- Preexisting conditions: This is damage that existed before home warranty coverage began, especially if it was detectable by visual inspection or a basic test. In our survey, preexisting conditions were one of the most common reasons claims were denied.
- Items still under manufacturer’s warranty: Home warranty coverage won’t apply to appliances still protected by the original manufacturer.
- Secondary or luxury features: Companies may exclude built-in ice makers, smart tech, or drawer-style dishwashers from plans unless you purchase extra coverage.
- Utility bills or food spoilage: Costs resulting from a broken appliance, such as higher energy bills or spoiled groceries, aren’t typically reimbursed by a home warranty.
Homeowner Insights
The main reason homeowners in our survey reported denied appliance claims was because the item wasn’t covered by their plan. Before purchasing a home warranty, review the list of covered appliances, exclusions, and coverage limits to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Our Survey Findings on Home Appliance Coverage
In 2026, we surveyed 2,000 home warranty users across the country to learn more about their home warranty experiences, including their shopping habits, coverage needs, and claims outcomes. Coverage was the biggest motivator for most homeowners when selecting a plan, with 52% ranking it as the top feature they considered during the buying process. One-third of respondents (31%) said they needed coverage for older systems and appliances.
However, only 11% of respondents ultimately chose an appliance-only plan. Instead, about 69% opted for a combination plan that covered both systems and appliances. This suggests that while appliance coverage is important, many homeowners also want protection for major home systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, which can quickly become costly to repair or replace.
Appliance Coverage Insights
Our survey showed the specific appliances that homeowners wanted covered when buying a home warranty plan.
- When asked about specific appliances, 51% of homeowners prioritized coverage for refrigerators, while 23% prioritized coverage for ovens, ranges, or cooktops.
- Some respondents also customized their plans by adding optional appliance protection, with 27% purchasing add-on coverage for secondary appliances.
Claims Experiences
In addition to coverage preferences, we also asked homeowners about their most recent experience filing claims.
- According to our survey, 40% of homeowners submitted their most recent claim for an appliance issue, and 94% of those claims were approved.
- Almost 53% of respondents had their repairs completed in one week or less, while another 26% reported that resolution took 2–3 weeks.
- About 47% of homeowners received an appliance repair, while nearly 40% received a full replacement.
- Overall, 92% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their appliance claim outcome.
- Among those respondents whose claims were denied, just over half said the denial was because the item was not covered under their plan.
We recommend carefully reviewing your home warranty contract to understand what is covered and what is excluded. Also check whether having preexisting conditions can affect an item’s coverage eligibility.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
Choosing the right home warranty depends on the appliances you want to protect, the level of coverage you need, and your budget. Consider the following factors before purchasing a plan.
Make sure the plan covers the appliances you use most, like your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Review the service contract to confirm what’s covered, since some providers exclude certain components or impose coverage limits.
Read the fine print of your home warranty contract before enrolling. Pay attention to exclusions, coverage limits, waiting periods, and whether the provider covers items with normal wear and tear, rust, corrosion, or certain preexisting conditions.
Decide whether an appliance-only plan is enough or if you need a comprehensive plan that also covers major home systems. If your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems are older, a combination plan may provide better value.
Many providers offer optional coverage for items like a second refrigerator, wine cooler, or standalone freezer. Only add these options if the extra cost makes sense based on your home needs, your budget, and the appliances you want to protect.
FAQs About Home Appliance Insurance
What’s the difference between a home warranty and home appliance insurance?
There is no difference—home appliance insurance is another name for a home warranty. Both types of plans cover the repair or replacement of major appliances if break downs happen because of normal wear and tear. Some plans also include home systems like your plumbing or HVAC.
Is it worth getting home appliance insurance?
Home appliance insurance can be worth it if you want coverage for unexpected repair or replacement costs. It’s especially useful for older appliances no longer under a manufacturer’s warranty.
What does home appliance insurance typically cover?
Home appliance insurance typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing major household appliances when they break down from everyday use. This often includes items like a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, washer, and dryer. Some plans let you add coverage for extra appliances, such as a second fridge or standalone freezer.
Does home appliance insurance cover preexisting conditions or older appliances?
Very few providers cover older appliances or preexisting conditions, which includes issues an appliance had before you bought a home warranty plan. American Home Shield and Cinch Home Services, for example, offer limited coverage for issues you can’t detect at the time of enrollment. However, not all companies include this protection, so we recommend reviewing a provider’s sample contract to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover appliances?
Homeowners insurance covers appliances only when a covered event, like a fire or storm, causes the damage. It doesn’t cover mechanical failures or wear and tear, which a home warranty or appliance insurance handles instead.
How do I file a claim using my home appliance insurance?
To file a claim, contact your home appliance insurance provider online or by phone and explain the issue. The company will assign a technician or approve your preferred contractor if allowed, and you’ll pay a service fee for the visit.
How We Evaluated Home Appliance Insurance Companies
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. To determine the top appliance home warranty companies, we consulted industry professionals to identify common appliance repairs and replacements, analyzed sample contracts, and reviewed online customer reviews.
To get a hands-on feel for each company’s products, we tested online quote tools, reached out to customer support teams, and surveyed 2,000 home warranty policyholders nationwide to learn more about their experiences. We’ve also signed up for home warranty plans with 11 leading providers over a two-year span to directly experience the enrollment and claims processes ourselves.
We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (35%): This category looks at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage is, including whether it covers unique items. Companies that cover the most items and have higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or have depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items.
- Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies offering pricing at or below the industry average that don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.
- Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deducted points for any ongoing legal issues.
- Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points.
- Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.
- Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points to providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.
