There’s no getting around it: refrigerators are expensive. High purchase prices make even the most basic refrigerator a major investment, so ensuring this appliance runs for as long as possible is probably top of mind. A refrigerator warranty offers protection by covering repair bills or replacement expenses if your fridge breaks down.
We reviewed 13 leading home warranty companies with refrigerator coverage to find the best options. Learn about our favorite providers and why we think home warranties offer the best refrigerator protection.
Key Takeaways
- The best refrigerator warranty companies are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, based on our extensive research of 13 home warranty providers.
- A home warranty with refrigerator coverage costs $672 annually on average, or $42-$70 per month, depending on your plan and coverage.
- Our home warranty survey revealed that 92.7% of policyholders were satisfied with their home warranty plan, while less than 1% were dissatisfied.
Summary of the Top Refrigerator Warranty Providers
Our team analyzed coverage plans from 13 home warranty companies and chose the following providers as our top picks for refrigerator warranties.
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Support
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- Select Home Warranty: Best Budget Plan Option
Compare Top Home Warranty Companies With Refrigerator Coverage
We reviewed refrigerator warranty providers based on 31 factors, including coverage caps, monthly costs, and service fees. The table below compares our top picks based on some of these key rating factors.
*We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 1,885-square-foot, single-family home in Detroit, Michigan. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
How We Rated Refrigerator Home Warranty Companies
We started by researching refrigerator components and common failures and repairs to find the best refrigerator warranties. Our team reviewed manufacturers and extended warranties to determine typical coverage and exclusions. We also spoke with experts within the home warranty industry to learn more about coverage plans and common homeowner issues. Team members then reviewed sample contracts and checked for key refrigerator coverage details, including coverage caps, add-on appliance options, and workmanship guarantee length. Additionally, we assessed the customer experience by submitting claims to multiple home warranty providers and conducting anonymous evaluations as secret shoppers to gauge their responsiveness and service quality.
Our team developed a detailed methodology to score each company in four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. Then, we awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating.
Our Home Warranty Experts
We consulted the following two home warranty experts for more insight into home warranty coverage for this article.
- Daniel Cabrera: Cabrera is the founder of Sell My House Fast San Antonio, a homebuying real estate business.
- Kurt Walker: Walker is a real estate expert at Mill City Home Buyers, a homebuying business.
Understanding Refrigerator Warranty Coverage
Refrigerator warranties are coverage plans that protect your appliance when it experiences defects or malfunctions. Below, we’ll explain the different refrigerator warranties that are available.
What Is a Refrigerator Manufacturer’s Warranty?
Nearly all refrigerator brands offer a one-year or two-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor due to materials or workmanship defects. These warranties are free of charge and come with your refrigerator. If you experience a manufacturer defect or issue during that period, the manufacturer will send a licensed service technician to resolve it at no extra charge.
Some companies cover a refrigerator’s sealed system, which typically includes the compressor, evaporator, condenser, dryer, and connection tubing. Most companies cover this system’s parts and labor for five years.
The original warranty likely has various exclusions. Some items that usually aren’t covered include cosmetics, cleaning, drawers, bins, handles, bulbs, abuse, misuse, and accidental damage.
What Is a Refrigerator Extended Warranty?
Most refrigerator models allow you to purchase an appliance extended warranty (sometimes referred to as a protection plan or service contract). The fridge manufacturer, the store where you bought the fridge, or a third party may offer this warranty type. This extended warranty coverage typically kicks in after the one-year manufacturer’s warranty expires, though some warranties may overlap. Extended warranties cover new refrigerators and generally last for five years.
Review all terms and conditions before choosing an extended warranty plan to better understand what repairs are covered. For example, your warranty may only cover mechanical failure during normal use.
What Is Home Warranty Refrigerator Coverage?
A home warranty, also called home appliance insurance, covers repairs or replacements of major systems and appliances broken down from normal wear and tear. Most home warranty companies have at least one plan covering refrigerators. Using a home warranty for refrigeration coverage has become a popular option for many homeowners. In our recent survey of 1,000 homeowners with home warranty plans, 39.9% of respondents purchased coverage specifically for their refrigerators. We also learned that 41% selected add-on coverage for additional appliance coverage, including a second refrigerator or freezer.
A home warranty lets you file a claim with your provider if your fridge wears out and stops working. The company will send a trusted contractor to your home to diagnose the problem. If the issue falls under your warranty terms, the technician will repair it for a low service fee.
If a repair isn’t possible, the company will either replace the refrigerator or pay you cash. However, Walker says the cash payout might not cover the replacement cost, and you may still require additional out-of-pocket costs for a replacement refrigerator.
How Much Does a Refrigerator Warranty Cost?
Our research showed that a home warranty plan with refrigerator coverage will cost $42–$70 per month or $504–$840 annually. Total costs will depend on the type of plan you select, your location, and home size. Many companies offer appliance-only plans, which are typically lower than comprehensive plans. If you need coverage for secondary or specialized refrigerated appliances, you must pay extra for add-on coverage. Refrigerator add-ons range from $5–$10.
Top Refrigerator Warranty Providers
Below are reviews of our top picks for home warranty companies with the best refrigerator coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Covers refrigerators with a $2,000 coverage cap
- Offers appliance-only and comprehensive plans for refrigerator coverage
- Provides 42 add-on options, including three refrigerator-focused options
Cons
- Doesn’t let you choose your own technician
- Only covers kitchen refrigerators under its base plan coverage
- Requires an add-on for professional-series or high-end refrigerators
Company Overview
We recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for its three specialized plan options that include refrigerator coverage. The company also has 42 add-ons with unique coverage options, including refrigeration-specific add-ons such as in-fridge ice makers, second refrigerator units, stand-alone freezers, and wine coolers.
Liberty Home Guard offers three plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Two of these plans, Appliance Guard and Total Home Guard, cover kitchen refrigerators with ice makers and built-in displays. The Appliance Guard offers protection for major appliances such as refrigerators and a $2,000 coverage cap. The Total Guard plan offers the same cap plus combined coverage for systems and appliances.
We reviewed the LHG sample contract and learned that coverage includes all mechanical components and parts for the refrigerator and any freezer components that affect refrigerator functionality. Ice makers also fall under this coverage, and the company includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee for its repairs, which is twice the industry standard.
Plans and Costs
Below is an overview of Liberty Home Guard’s home warranty plans:
- Appliance Guard: This appliance-only plan protects nine major appliances, including clothes washers, kitchen refrigerators, and ranges.
- Systems Guard: This system-only plan covers six built-in systems, such as cooling, heating, and water heaters.
- Total Home Guard: This comprehensive plan combines the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard coverage.
LHG’s pricing is midrange when compared to other reviewed providers. However, the company doesn’t offer flexible service call fees like other providers. Instead, LHG assigns a fee ranging from $65–$125 based on your selected plan, location, and chosen add-ons. Our service call fee wasn’t revealed when we ran a sample quote.
Here’s a breakdown of LHG costs and coverage caps:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $65–$125 | $2,000 |
| Systems Guard | $54.99 | $65–$125 | $2,000 (Plumbing & electrical: $500) |
| Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $65–$125 | Coverage caps remain the same |
LHG offers the most extensive add-on catalog in this review. Most home warranty companies offer eight to 10 options on average. Refrigerator add-on options include Pro Series refrigerator coverage for $24.99 per month or second refrigerator protection for $7.99 per month. You can also add wine cooler/fridge coverage for $11.99.
Here are a few other add-on options offered by LHG:
- Freestanding ice maker coverage
- Stand-alone freezer coverage
- Water dispenser water line coverage
Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard
The BBB recently updated LHG’s rating to NR (or “Not Rated”) and added a Pattern of Complaints alert in March 2024. According to the notice, LHG has received increased complaints since 2023 regarding “the claims process, customer service, and sales tactics.”
The BBB contacted LHG on March 11 to request cooperation in resolving these complaints. LHG responded on March 12 and said that “new software upgrades are currently being deployed which are intended to facilitate the communication regarding the scheduling of technician appointments and streamlining the claims process. In addition, the company reports that it’s increasing its customer service headcount, and augmenting the training sessions and oversight for its sales representatives.
We contacted LHG regarding this issue, and the company provided the following statement:
“Despite the BBB’s alert, our customer satisfaction levels remain by far the highest relative to our scale. Last month, we had the lowest percentage of customer cancellation requests in our entire history. On the BBB’s own platform, Liberty Home Guard has achieved a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 480 resolved complaints on Liberty Home Guard’s BBB profile equate to an extremely low fraction of a percentage relative to the size and scale of our total customer base. As we navigate this situation, which we believe will be resolved in time, we want to assure you that we remain committed to our customers and their satisfaction; they are the key stakeholders we orient all our efforts around.”
LHG remains a standout provider due to its higher customer review scores despite this recent BBB update. It averages a 4.5 out of 5-star rating or higher on most third-party review sites.
We discovered customers had mixed feelings for the company after reviewing dozens of LHG reviews. Many customers praised the accessible customer service team and simplified claims process. However, several reviewers claimed that LHG doesn’t properly disclose its depreciation clause in its contract, leading to lower-valued payouts.
American Home Shield
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers comprehensive appliance coverage up to $4,000 on its highest plan
- Provides flexible service fee options for better pricing customization
- Includes items with preexisting conditions, a rare feature
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an appliance-only plan
- Doesn’t provide additional refrigeration add-ons
- Lacks coverage for secondary and specialty refrigerators
Company Overview
We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for homeowners who want comprehensive coverage for their refrigerators and other key systems and appliances. It’s a good option for older homes since it includes protection for items with preexisting conditions and physical damage, which is rare among home warranty companies.
American Home Shield offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Only two plans, ShieldGold and Shield Platinum, cover appliances. ShieldGold covers major home systems and appliances, such as refrigerators. You receive a $2,000 appliance limit alongside $5,000 for system coverage. The ShieldPlatinum increases appliance coverage to $4,000 and includes extra perks such as roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups.
The company covers conditions and damages often excluded by other providers. Coverage includes improper maintenance, installation, modification, repairs, and physical damage. It also covers preexisting conditions, and all repairs include a 30-day workmanship guarantee.
However, American Home Shield’s coverage does have some limitations. Reviewing the AHS sample contract informed us that the company’s standard coverage is restricted to kitchen refrigerators, which means that you won’t have protection for secondary or specialty refrigerators or freezers.
Plans and Costs
Here’s an overview of American Home Shield’s plans:
- ShieldSilver: This plan specifically covers major home systems, including heating, cooling, and electrical.
- ShieldGold: The next plan covers major systems and appliances, including cooktops, refrigerators, and water heaters.
- ShieldPlatinum: The highest plan tier includes ShieldGold protections plus added benefits, including roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups.
AHS charges slightly higher for its coverage plans than other reviewed providers. The company offers a flexible service fee model where you can adjust your monthly premiums. There are two service fees: $100 and $125. Our premiums lowered and vice versa when we changed the fees on our sample quotes.
Here’s an overview of AHS’s monthly premiums and caps:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| ShieldSilver | $29.99–$39.99 | $100–$125 | $5,000 |
| ShieldGold | $49.99–$59.99 | $100–$125 | Systems: $5,000Appliances: $2,000 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99–$89.99 | $100–$125 | Systems: $5,000Appliances: $4,000 |
AHS offers six add-on options and no option for additional refrigeration protection.
Here’s a few off its popular add-ons:
- Electronics protection plan
- Pools and built-in spa equipment coverage
- Septic pump coverage
Our Experience With American Home Shield
Our team member has an AHS plan and tested the claims process to repair a leaky bathroom pipe. After submitting his online claim, he received immediate text and email confirmations. A service technician connected with him five minutes later to schedule a next-day appointment. The repairs were completed in two hours, and he only had to pay the service call fee.
According to the customer reviews we analyzed, customers appreciate the company’s efficient claims process and helpful technicians. However, some noted several denied claims for covered items. Others stated that several technicians were required to complete their repairs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides free roof-leak coverage with every plan
- Offers three specialized plans priced under $50
- Includes additional months of coverage with annual plans
Cons
- Doesn’t provide additional refrigeration add-ons
- Limits coverage to kitchen refrigerators only
- Offers less refrigerator coverage than other reviewed providers
Company Overview
We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who are on a budget and have recently purchased a refrigerator that requires limited coverage. Select offers three plans priced under $50 and complimentary roof leak coverage with every plan.
Select offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Consider either the Bronze Care or Platinum Care options for refrigerator coverage. The Bronze Care plan covers major home appliances and includes kitchen refrigerator coverage. The Platinum Care plan enables you to receive coverage for both systems and appliances with the same coverage caps.
According to Select’s sample contract, all appliances receive a $500 coverage cap. This is well below most providers and provides limited coverage for major repairs. We recommend considering your refrigerator’s age and condition before choosing with Select. The company covers all components necessary for the appliance’s functionality but excludes sealed systems. Select also offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee.
Plans and Costs
Below is a breakdown of Select’s available coverage plans:
- Bronze Care: This appliance-only plan includes clothes washers, cooktops, and refrigerators.
- Gold Care: This plan protects six major home systems, such as air conditioning, electrical systems, and water heaters.
- Platinum Care: Its highest plan tier offers comprehensive protection of appliances and systems and adds garage door openers, plumbing stoppages, and ceiling fans.
Along with some of the lowest premium pricing in this review, Select also offers low service call fees between $60 and $75. Similar to LHG, service call fees are assigned to accounts. We discovered that Select’s lower service call fee is only available as a deal offered over the phone.
Here’s an overview of Select’s monthly pricing and coverage caps:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| Bronze Care | $44.42 | $60–$75 | $500 |
| Gold Care | $44.42 | $60–$75 | $500 (HVAC: $3,000) |
| Platinum Care | $47.75 | $60–$75 | Coverage caps remain the same |
Select offers nine add-on options, which is average for most home warranty providers. Unfortunately, there are no add-on options for additional refrigerators outside the kitchen. Select offers one add-on for stand-alone freezers. You receive $400 worth of coverage for $3.33 per month.
Some of the company’s other popular add-ons include coverage for central vacuums and septic pumps.
Our Experience With Select Home Warranty
We spoke with Select’s customer service representatives and learned that the company prefers to handle plan issues and claims over the phone. According to online reviews, Select’s claims process is user-friendly and simple. However, some customers complained about poor customer service, long wait times, and frequent denied claims.
First American Home Warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes an optional upgrade for extended coverage, including improper installations
- Offers up to a $7,000 appliance cap on its highest plan, the highest coverage in this review
- Provides add-on options for secondary and specialty refrigerators
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a stand-alone appliance-only plan
- Excludes some essential systems and appliances in its lowest plan
- Limits add-on refrigeration coverage to $500 per item
Company Overview
We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need higher coverage for high-end appliances or multiple refrigeration appliances. The company offers up to $7,000 coverage for refrigerators and three add-on refrigeration options.
First American offers three plans: the Starter, Essentials, and Premium plans. Reviewing the First American sample contract told us that each plan covers the following types of refrigerators:
- Built-in kitchen refrigerator/freezer unit
- Built-in combination of an all-refrigerator unit and an all-freezer unit
- Freestanding kitchen refrigerator/freezer
The Starter and Essential plans include coverage for a mix of home appliances and systems. Both plans cover refrigerators up to $3,500 per claim. The Premium Plan increases refrigerator limits to $7,000 per claim. All plans include 30-day workmanship guarantees for repairs.
The First American Advantage upgrade, bundled within its Essential and Premium plans, covers repairs resulting from improper installations and modifications. This upgrade package also covers refrigerant recapture and removal and free disposal of appliances the company is replacing.
Plans and Costs
Here are more details on First American’s plans:
- Starter Plan: The plan offers a mix of appliance and system coverage and includes cooktops, heating systems, and refrigerators.
- Essential Plan: The next plan extends Starter Plan coverage to more items such as air conditioning, clothes washers and dryers, and water heaters.
- Premium Plan: The highest plan includes Essential Plan items and adds luxury appliances, roof leaks, and window air conditioning units.
First American plan pricing is slightly higher than the other providers, putting it closer to AHS. The company offers flexible service call fees, with options for $75, $100, or $125.
Below is a breakdown of First American pricing and coverage caps:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| Starter Plan | $42.00–$57.00 | $75–$125 | Systems: UnlimitedAppliances: $3,500 |
| Essential Plan | $57.00–$67.00 | $75–$125 | Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)Appliances: $3,500 |
| Premium Plan | $67.00–$82.00 | $75–$125 | Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000 |
First American offers 12 add-on options priced from $2.08–$20.83, which is midrange compared to other providers. You can add up to three additional refrigeration appliances for $4.17 each. Covered appliances include additional refrigerators, freestanding freezers, freestanding ice makers, wet bar refrigerators, and wine refrigerators. You can add the First American Advantage upgrade to the Essential and Premium plans at no charge.
We’ve listed additional add-on options below:
- Limited roof leak coverage
- Septic tank pumping/system coverage
- Water softener coverage
Our Experience With First American Home Warranty
One of our team members had a positive experience with First American when he needed to repair a broken garage door opener. He submitted a claim on a Friday and received a text with the technician’s information within 30 minutes. The technician contacted him to schedule a repair appointment for the following Monday. The tech completed the repairs in less than 30 minutes, and our team member only had to pay the service call fee.
We also read First American customer reviews to compare homeowners’ experiences. Homeowners commended First American for its skilled technicians and prompt claims processing, but several expressed dissatisfaction with faulty repairs and the use of low-quality replacement parts.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Refrigerator Home Warranty?
You need to consider your coverage needs when buying a refrigerator home warranty. You should also compare multiple companies to find the best for your budget and coverage needs. Here’s a list of everything to keep in mind while warranty shopping.
Compare Multiple Companies
You could be missing out on better coverage if you commit to the first home warranty company you find. Comparing coverage from at least three companies gives you a broader perspective on what’s available and which plan would fit your situation. Compare pricing, inclusions, offered discounts, and service call fees.
Coverage Needs
Choose a plan that meets your home needs when shopping for coverage. If you only need refrigerator coverage, consider investing in an appliance-only plan. A comprehensive plan would be a better option if you also need system coverage.
Read Through Sample Contacts
Refrigerator warranty coverage varies between companies, so knowing exactly what you’re signing up for is crucial. Cabrera says you should know the exclusions and limits of each plan. You should also know the parts, items, and situations each company may exclude from its plan. Take the time to review each sample contract for inclusions and exclusions.
Verify Service Technician Availability
Check with each company for its servicing policies, including availability, workmanship coverage, and service technicians. If a provider doesn’t offer technicians in your area, ask about its policies for choosing your own technicians and any protection for their work.
FAQ About Refrigerator Warranties
Is a refrigerator warranty worth it?
Yes, getting a refrigerator warranty is worth it. Your refrigerator is an essential appliance that can be expensive to repair or replace when it breaks down. In addition, a broken refrigerator can cause a major disruption in your daily life.
How much does it cost to repair a refrigerator?
Refrigerator repairs cost between $200 and $500, with average costs around $400. However, these costs vary based on the repair’s severity. With a home warranty, you pay between $60 and $125 for the service call only, avoiding the remaining repair and replacement costs.
How long do refrigerator warranties last?
Refrigerator warranty length varies based on the warranty type. Manufacturer’s warranties typically only last for the first year of ownership. Extended warranties may last up to five years, but you usually can’t renew them at the end of that term. Most purchase home warranties for one year, but you also have the option to renew them.
How long should a refrigerator last?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refrigerators should last about 12 years. Proper maintenance and quick repairs when necessary are key to extending your refrigerator’s life span. A home warranty can help offset repair and replacement costs after your refrigerator’s manufacturer’s warranty expires.
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state below.
Find Home Warranty Pros in Your State
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