American Home Shield is our pick for the best home appliance insurance company because of its generous coverage limits and protection that includes preexisting issues. Choice Home Warranty also ranked highly on our list, offering a budget-friendly alternative if you’re looking for comprehensive coverage for both systems and appliances at a lower monthly price point.
Home appliance insurance, also known as a home warranty, covers repairs or replacements of major household appliances like your built-in microwave, dishwasher, or refrigerator. A home warranty brings predictable costs to unpredictable appliance breakdowns, helping you save money on covered repairs. Read on to compare the best home warranty providers, explore coverage options, and find the best home appliance plan for your home and budget.
Key Takeaways
- We chose American Home Shield as the top home appliance insurance company thanks to its comprehensive protection, including items with existing issues.
- Home appliance insurance typically costs $45–$70 per month, depending on the plan type and the provider.
- More than 41% of our 2025 home warranty survey respondents filed their most recent claim for an appliance repair or replacement.
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
Compare Home Appliance Insurance Companies
The table below compares our top home appliance insurance companies based on key factors like national average monthly cost, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and service call fees. Since you pay a service fee with every technician visit, it’s important to know what to expect when repairing appliances.
| Provider | Our Score | Monthly Plan Cost | Service Call Fee | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36–$100 | $100–$125 | B | ||
$60–$68 | $100 | B | ||
$57–$68 | $65–$125 | NR | ||
$77–$130 | $100–$125 | B+ | ||
$44–$82 | $75–$125 | B |
Our Review of the Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies
Our review highlights the best home appliance insurance companies based on factors that matter most to homeowners, such as affordability, coverage for major appliances, and service quality. We focused on what sets each provider apart, such as optional add-ons, generous coverage limits, and notable appliance coverage.
American Home Shield
Appliance Coverage Overview
- Covers items 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 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 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 their 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 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 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 Parts of Your Home Appliances 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.
Cost of Appliance Insurance Coverage
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 save you from high out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs, especially for expensive items like refrigerators or ovens, by offering affordable monthly payments for protection against unexpected failures.
The table below outlines some typical repair costs for essential home appliances.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Clothes dryer | $100–$430 |
| Dishwasher | $160–$300 |
| Oven | $100–$600 |
| Refrigerator | $300–$1,000 |
| Washing machine | $125–$450 |
Most Affordable Home Warranty for Basic Appliance Coverage
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 |
Home Warranty 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 warranty can differ significantly in scope, duration, and the claims process.
Manufacturer’s Warranties
Most new appliances come with a manufacturer’s warranty that typically lasts one year. This coverage is free and automatically included with the appliance. This type of warranty only covers defects in materials or workmanship. It doesn’t cover breakdowns due to normal wear and tear. If your appliance stops working after the manufacturer’s warranty expires, you’re responsible for repair or replacement costs unless you have additional protection.
Extended Warranties
An extended warranty is an optional plan offered by retailers or manufacturers. This type of coverage extends an appliance’s original warranty for a few additional years, typically for an extra fee. Like manufacturer’s warranties, extended warranties cover defects and sometimes mechanical failures, but only for specific appliances. They don’t include coverage for other items or systems in your home or offer convenience services like technician scheduling, unlike a standard home warranty plan.
Appliance-Specific Insurance
Companies like Asurion, SquareTrade (Allstate), and Upsie offer appliance-specific protection plans that cover mechanical breakdowns and accidental damage for individual appliances. These plans typically don’t include appliance wear and tear or theft. This protection is tied to the specific appliance purchased, and most plans apply to one item. Some providers allow limited bundling. For example, retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot offer similar coverage at the time of purchase.
Homeowners Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance policies cover perils like fire, theft, and certain types of water damage. Home insurance doesn’t cover mechanical breakdowns, however. If your appliance fails due to wear and tear or internal malfunction, homeowners insurance will not help. In this case, you would need a home warranty for protection.
How Does a Home Warranty Fill the Gaps?
Home warranties offer broad coverage for multiple appliances and home systems under a single plan. Unlike appliance-specific options, you don’t need to buy separate protection for each item. These plans cover wear and tear failures, which most other types of warranties and insurance policies exclude. Home warranties also simplify repairs by coordinating service call appointments with pre-approved technicians, which means you don’t have to spend time trying to find someone to fix your appliance after it breaks.
Reading the Fine Print of Your Appliance Coverage Plan
When reviewing an appliance coverage plan, it’s essential to read the fine print to understand the exclusions. Many home warranty plans include specific limitations, so knowing these upfront can help you avoid surprises, denied claims, or out-of-pocket costs. We’ve highlighted some standard appliance exclusions below.
- Cosmetic components: This includes knobs, handles, doors, shelves, trays, and other non-essential parts that don’t affect 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, it likely won’t be covered.
- 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 coverage began, especially if it was detectable by visual inspection or a basic test.
- Items still under manufacturer’s warranty: Home warranty coverage won’t apply to appliances still protected by the original manufacturer.
- Secondary or luxury features: Built-in ice makers, smart tech, or drawer-style dishwashers may be excluded 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.
Our Survey Findings on Home Appliance Coverage
We surveyed 2,000 home warranty users across the country to gain insights into 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 58% ranking it as the top feature they considered. More than half of respondents (54%) said they needed coverage for older systems and appliances.
However, only 9% ultimately chose an appliance-only plan. Instead, about 70% 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 be costly to repair or replace.
Appliance Coverage
- When asked about specific appliances, 44% of homeowners prioritized coverage for water heaters, while 30% chose refrigerator protection.
- Some respondents also customized their plans by adding optional appliance protection, with 24% purchasing add-on coverage for additional appliances.
Claims Experience
- Homeowners actively used their home warranty coverage and often filed appliance repair or replacement claims. According to the survey, 41% submitted their most recent claim for an appliance issue.
- The claims experience was generally positive, with 89% of those claims being approved.
- In cases where claims were denied, 31% involved items with a preexisting condition, and 26% cited items not included in the plan.
We recommend carefully reviewing your home warranty contract to understand what is covered and excluded and whether any preexisting conditions may affect your eligibility.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
When selecting a home warranty provider for appliance coverage, start by evaluating the range of appliances each company includes in its plans. Look for coverage on key items such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers, and dryers.
It’s important to read the fine print to understand what’s actually protected, since some companies may only cover specific components or limit coverage based on the appliance’s age or condition.
You’ll also want to think about whether an appliance-only plan meets your needs or if you need broader protection. If your home has older HVAC systems, aging plumbing, or outdated electrical wiring, you may be better off with a combo plan that includes both appliance and system coverage. This can offer more comprehensive peace of mind, especially if unexpected breakdowns in essential systems would cause major disruption or repair costs.
Many providers offer add-on options for specialty appliances or second units, like an extra refrigerator or high-end laundry equipment. While this can tailor the plan to match your home, it will also increase your monthly premium or service fees. Weigh the value of these optional add-ons against their cost to make sure you’re only paying for the protection you actually need.
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
To determine the top appliance home warranty companies, we spoke with industry professionals to identify common appliance repairs and replacements.
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale:
- Coverage (35%): For appliance coverage, you want a provider with high coverage caps and full coverage, as many plans exclude certain appliance parts, such as trays, hinges, and doors. The best providers cover major appliances, and coverage begins in 30 days or fewer.
- Cost (20%): We rank providers on monthly (or annual) premiums, service fees, and extra fees. Our highest-ranked providers cost less than $60 per month on average and have an average service fee of $70 or less, with no extra fees charged.
- Trustworthiness (15%): It’s important to work with companies you can trust. Providers rank highest if they have high BBB rankings, no current government lawsuits, and are members of the National Home Service Contract Association.
- Plan Transparency (10%): A provider’s website should clearly state information about its home appliance insurance. Our highest-ranked companies offer transparent online pricing and sample contracts that outline coverage limits and specifics for appliances.
- Customer Support (10%): When filing a claim, you’ll want a fast, easy-to-use claims portal and helpful customer support options in case you have a problem. Our top-ranked companies offer coverage in all 50 states, as well as quick response times and multiple customer service contact options.
- Flexibility (10%): We rank providers highly in this category if they allow you to choose your own technician and add coverage for additional appliances.
