Home > Home Warranty > 6 Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies (2023 Guide)

6 Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies (2023 Guide)

Updated Mar 22, 2023

Updated Mar 22, 2023

Home > Home Warranty > 6 Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies (2023 Guide)

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A home appliance warranty—sometimes called home appliance insurance—is an annual contract covering expensive repair and replacement costs for your home’s major appliances and systems. A home appliance warranty takes the stress out of appliance maintenance by covering unexpected breakdowns.

Our experts reviewed 60+ home warranty companies based on more than 40 key factors to rank the best home appliance insurance companies. All cost estimates are based on quotes for a single-family 2,000-square-foot home in Raleigh, N.C.

The Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies of 2023

Compare Home Appliance Insurance Providers

Before buying a policy from one of the best appliance warranty companies, you should compare different home warranty companies and ensure that you’re comfortable with the one you select. To save you time, House Method’s experts researched for you. We called some of the best home warranty companies, asked them the tough questions, and negotiated prices to determine how low they would go.

BrandOur TakeAppliance-Only Plan OptionAverage Monthly Cost*Service FeeStates CoveredClaim Response TimeYears in Business
Choice Home WarrantyBest Appliance CoverageNo$51$854924–48 hours14
Liberty Home GuardMost TrustworthyYes$75$65–$1254848 hours5
Select Home WarrantyMost Cost-Effective PlansYes$43$604748 hours10
American Home ShieldBest Customizable PlansNo$58$75–1254948 hours51
Priority Home WarrantyBest Workmanship GuaranteeYes$48$702324 hours8
The Home Service ClubQuickest ServiceNo$57$954924–48 hours13

*Average monthly cost is based on quotes for a single-family 2,000-square-foot home in Raleigh, N.C.

Choice Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage

Best Overall
Choice Home Warranty
  • 2 plans available + optional add-ons
  • Has over 11 years of industry experience
  • 90-day repair guarantee
  • $46–$55 per month with $85 service fee

Why We Chose Choice Home Warranty

We selected Choice Home Warranty (CHW) as our top choice for home warranty appliance insurance. Choice scored 4.9 out of five stars in our rating system for its comprehensive appliance protection options, 24/7 customer service team, and generous annual coverage caps of up to $3,000 on essential home appliances.

Choice Home Warranty is a seasoned home warranty provider with 14 years of experience in the home services industry. The Basic Plan and the Total Home Plan have ample coverage on appliances, including a dishwasher, oven, microwave, toilet, garbage disposal, dryer, washer, refrigerator, and more, for around $51 per month. Both of Choice Home Warranty’s plans also cover major home systems.

Pros and Cons of Choice Home Warranty Appliance Insurance

Pros

  • All parts and components of washer, dryer, microwave, oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator are covered.
  • Free cancellation within the first 30 days
  • High coverage cap of $3,000 per term on home appliances
  • Two comprehensive warranty options with more than 18 items covered

Cons

  • No allowance for custom-built and appliance-only plans
  • Washer and dryer not included in most basic plan option.

Plans and Pricing

The Basic Plan covers 14 essential home appliances and systems, and the more comprehensive Total Plan covers the same 14 major appliances and systems plus four additional important ones for a total of 18 inclusions. Both plans have an $85 service fee and an average cost of $51 per month, which is about the industry average. Although the service call fee may seem high, the lower premiums combine with broad coverage to justify the price.

Choice Home Warranty’s plan options:

  • Basic Plan: This plan covers 14 systems and appliances, including built-in microwaves, ceiling fans, plumbing systems, cooktop exhaust fans, heating systems, dishwashers, garage door openers, ductwork, electrical systems, ovens, toilets, water heaters, and garbage disposals.
  • Total Plan: This plan covers all 14 appliances and systems included in the Basic Plan, plus air conditioning, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and kitchen refrigerators.
  • Add-ons: Septic tanks and systems, inground pools/spas, sump pumps, central vacuum, well pumps, roof leaks, and stand-alone freezers.
PlanCost Per MonthCost Per YearService Fee
Basic Plan$47$564$85
Total Plan$55$660$85

Get a quote: Get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty online or call 929-400-6164.

Learn more: Read our Choice Home Warranty Review

Liberty Home Guard: Most Trustworthy

Most Trustworthy
Liberty Home Guard
  • 3 plans ranging $65-$125 with 25+ optional add-ons
  • Has a 60-day workmanship guarantee on all repairs
  • Customer service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • BBB’s only A+ accredited home warranty provider

Why We Chose Liberty Home Guard

We scored Liberty Home Guard (LHG) with 4.5 out of five stars and named it the most trustworthy home warranty provider for appliance coverage. LHG boasts positive online feedback and high customer satisfaction scores from past and current policyholders, reflecting its commitment to transparent business practices. Reviews across verified customer feedback platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) praise LHG for its quick response times and low claim denial rates.

Pros and Cons of Liberty Home Guard’s Appliance Coverage

Pros

  • No maintenance records or home inspection is required to purchase a policy plan
  • Offers exclusive discounts to policyholders on name-brand appliances
  • Over 20 optional add-ons available for coverage, including pro-series appliance protection upgrades
  • Offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee on appliance repairs and replacements

Cons

  • Higher monthly premium at up to $80 per month
  • Not available in Washington, Wyoming, or Wisconsin

Plans and Pricing

Liberty Home Guard has three plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Appliance Guard covers 11 appliances, Systems Guard covers nine systems, and Total Home Guard combines the two plans to cover 20 major home appliances and systems. Liberty offers a coverage cap of $2,000 per appliance per contract term and allows customers to get protection on pro-series appliances. The pricing of these plans is higher than home warranty policies typically offered by other providers, but Liberty Home Guard has a more affordable service fee of $75 per visit.

Liberty’s plan options:

  • Appliance Guard: This plan covers 11 appliances, including ceiling fans, cooktop exhaust fans, garbage disposal, dishwasher, dryer, garage door, microwave, oven, refrigerator, refrigerator ice maker, and washer.
  • Systems Guard: This plan features coverage on nine systems which are AC, bath exhaust fans, ductwork, electrical, heating system, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, toilet, and water heater.
  • Total Home Guard: This plan combines Appliance Guard and Systems Guard to cover all 20 appliances and systems. It only costs $5 more than Systems Guard, so it’s the best value plan from LHG.
  • Add-ons: Pool, saltwater pool, spa, TV, PC, pump, generator, freestanding ice maker, septic tank pumping, roof leaks, pest control, water softener, well pump, wine refrigerator, septic system, lawn sprinkler, locksmith, trash compactor, sump pump, central vacuum, stand-alone freezer, and water dispenser
PlanCost Per MonthCost Per YearService Fee
Appliance Guard$49.99$499$75
Systems Guard$54.99$549$75
Total Home Guard$59.99$599$75

Get a quote: To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.

Learn more: Liberty Home Guard Review

Select Home Warranty: Most Cost-Effective

Most Cost-Effective
Select Home Warranty
  • 3 plans ranging from $52-$58 per month + optional add-ons
  • Provides free roof leak coverage
  • Covers rental properties, mobile homes, manufactured homes, single-family homes, and condos
  • Affordable service fee of $60

Why We Chose Select Home Warranty

Our experts rated Select Home Warranty (SHW) with 4.8 out of five stars, naming it the most affordable appliance home warranty option. Select combines one of the lowest deductibles industry-wide ($60) with stackable new joiner discounts and relatively average premiums. Those who sign up for coverage through Select will benefit from free roof-leak coverage (a $99 value), two months of free service when you opt to pay annually, and an additional $150 off any plan.

Pros and Cons of Select Home Warranty Appliance Insurance

Pros

  • Appliance-only plan with coverage on eight items
  • Coverage of all modules, components, and parts necessary to the function of appliances
  • Repair or replacement allowance of up to $500 per appliance
  • Service fee well below the industry standard

Cons

  • Comparatively lower annual coverage limits on systems
  • Does not include a workmanship guarantee on appliance repairs and replacements

Plans and Pricing

Select Home Warranty splits its base coverage into three plan types: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Whereas Bronze Care only offers coverage for appliances, Gold Care is designed to cover home systems exclusively. The Platinum Care plan, on the other hand, is a catch-all coverage option that combines the inclusions of Bronze and Gold plus three other coverage items. Select also offers optional coverage riders for an additional fee. 

Select Home Warranty’s plan options:

  • Bronze Care: This plan covers eight essential home appliances, including a dishwasher, microwave, garbage disposal, oven, refrigerator, clothes dryer, and clothes washer.
  • Gold Care: This plan covers six built-in home systems, specifically, air conditioning, electrical, heating, ductwork, water heater, and plumbing.
  • Platinum Care: This plan includes all 14 items from the other two plans, plus ceiling fans, garage door openers, and plumbing stoppages.
  • Add-ons: Central vacuum, lawn sprinkler system, pool, roof leaks, septic system, spa, stand-alone freezer, sump pump, and well pump
PlanCost Per MonthCost Per YearService Fee
Bronze Care Plan$42$504$75
Gold Care Plan$42$504$75
Platinum Care Plan$46$552$75

Get a quote: Get a free online quote from Select Home Warranty or call 888-370-3953.

Learn more: Select Home Warranty review 

American Home Shield: Most Customizable

Most Customizable
American Home Shield
  • 3 plans + add-ons and the option to build your own plan
  • Customers can choose the service fee they want to pay
  • Provides generous coverage caps
  • $35–$75 per month

Why We Chose American Home Shield

We gave American Home Shield (AHS) 4.7 out of five stars, specifically recognizing the customizability of its plan options. AHS offers three plans to provide home appliances and systems coverage, plus optional add-on items. This provider allows its policyholders to choose their service fee of $75 to $125. Customers can also shape their coverage around one of three plan options and eight add-ons. 

Pros and Cons of AHS Appliance Coverage

Pros

  • All three plan options cover appliances
  • More than 50 years of experience in the home warranty industry
  • Offers “Shield Assurances,” which cover older items, unknown conditions, and improper installations
  • Up to $6,000 in appliance coverage with the ShieldPlatinum plan

Cons

  • Comparatively higher monthly premiums than other companies
  • Coverage unavailable in Alaska
  • Only six add-ons available to add to a home warranty plan

Plans and Pricing

AHS offers three different options for home warranty plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The latter two offer appliance protection, but ShieldPlatinum covers all of what’s included in the other two plans, plus roof leak repairs, a free annual HVAC tuneup, and higher coverage caps. ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum offer coverage on laundry and kitchen appliances with annual limits of up to $3,000 on some items. With the ShieldPlatinum plan, your appliances are protected for up to $6,000 and have coverage that expands beyond normal wear and tear to cover maintenance negligence.

ShieldPlatinum is the most popular plan because it offers comprehensive coverage for $74.99 per month. AHS’s three service call fees are $75, $100, and $125. Your monthly premium will change depending on the service fee you choose.

AHS plan options:

  • ShieldSilver: This systems plan covers 19 items, including an AC unit, whole house fan, water heater, water dispenser, toilet, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, smoke alarm, attic fan, heating, locksmith, ceiling fans, bath exhaust, electrical, garage door opener, ductwork, doorbell, cooktop exhaust, and garbage disposal.
  • ShieldGold: This plan covers 23 appliances and systems, including an air conditioner, clothes dryer, ceiling fans, clothes washer, whole house fan, bath exhaust, garage door opener, toilet, water heater, microwave, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, heating, smoke alarm, oven, attic fan, refrigerator, trash compactor, electrical, ductwork, doorbell, cooktop exhaust, and dishwasher.
  • ShieldPlatinum: This plan covers all of the systems and appliances in ShieldGold and ShieldSilver to cover 27 systems and appliances. It features coverage on the 23 items in ShieldGold plus locksmith, roof leaks, garbage disposal, and water dispenser.
  • Add-ons: Pool, spa, electronics, septic, well pump, guest unit
PlanCost Per MonthCost Per YearService Fee
ShieldSilver$35–$50$420–$600$75–$125
ShieldGold$45–$60$540–$720$75–$125
ShieldPlatinum$75–$90$900–$1,080$75–$125

Get a quote: Get a free quote from American Home Shield or call 888-365-2839.

Learn more: American Home Shield review

Priority Home Warranty: Most Tech-Friendly

Most Tech-Friendly
Priority Home Warranty
  • 3 comprehensive plans available + optional add-ons
  • 24/7/365 customer support
  • Can choose your contractor
  • $75 service fee

Why We Chose Priority Home Warranty

House Method rated Priority Home Warranty with a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars, commending its technician flexibility, user-friendly live status update features, and overall affordability. Priority lost a few points for being a younger company than its competitors and for its lack of service in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington

Headquartered in Miami, Priority made its debut in the home warranty marketplace in 2014, quickly becoming a leading provider soon after. It offers two stand-alone appliance and system base plan options and one catch-all policy level as a more comprehensive solution for customers seeking broader protection. 

Pros and Cons of Priority Home Warranty Appliance Coverage

Pros

  • Customers who sign up today will receive their first three months of coverage free plus an additional $100 off their premium.
  • Offers a 90-day workmanship guarantee, which is longer than competing providers
  • Offers a real-time online claim processing tracker which follows the status of your submitted requests
  • Policyholders can choose their own contractors.

Cons

  • Charges a $50 cancellation fee for contract terminations after the first 30 days
  • Only available in 45 states

Plans and Pricing

Priority Home Warranty offers three base plan options: Systems Home Care, Appliance Home Care, and Total Home Care. Systems Home Care covers a total of eight built-in systems like your air conditioning and plumbing. Appliance Home Care includes nine major appliances, from your kitchen refrigerator to ceiling and exhaust fans. Homeowners looking for more comprehensive protection should consider Total Home Care, which rolls both plans into one for simultaneous appliance and system coverage at an affordable rate.  

Priority’s plan options:

  • Systems Home Care: This plan covers air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, water heaters, whirlpool bathtubs, and ductwork.
  • Appliance Home Care: This plan covers kitchen refrigerators, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ovens/ranges/stoves, cooktops, ceiling and exhaust fans, washing machines, and clothes dryers. 
  • Total Home Care: This combines all eight systems in Systems Home Care and the nine appliances in Appliance Home Care. 
  • Add-ons: Optional coverage riders include pool/spa, saltwater pool/spa, well pumps, sump pumps, tankless water heaters, central vacuum, water softener, septic pumping, septic systems, stand-alone freezers, ice-makers, limited roof leak protection, and coverage for properties over 5,000 square feet. 
PlanCost Per MonthCost Per YearService Fee
Systems Home Care$43.75$495$75
Appliance Home Care$43.75$495$75
Total Home Care$55.00$600$75

Get a quote: Contact Priority Home Warranty today to get a free quote.

Learn more: Priority Home Warranty review 

The Home Service Club: Quickest Coverage

Quickest Service
The Home Service Club
  • Offers 2 plans + optional add-ons for over 10 items
  • Covers items regardless of their age, make, or model
  • Provides high coverage caps on essential systems and appliances
  • Has real estate home warranty plans

Why We Chose The Home Service Club

Our experts rated The Home Service Club (HSC) with 4.6 out of five stars, awarding most of its points for prompt claim turnaround times and short waiting periods. HSC only requires new policyholders to abide by a 10-day waiting period before filing their first claim, whereas most of its competitors require an average of 30 days. HSC also doesn’t require a home inspection before getting protection, allowing you to access your coverage sooner.

Pros and Cons of HSC Appliance Coverage

Pros

  • 10 appliances covered plus unique protection offerings, such as pest control and smoke alarms
  • Covers all components and parts of several types of washers and dryers
  • No home inspection is required before the policy begins
  • Utility and Home Service Line offered as an add-on

Cons

  • Not accredited by the BBB
  • No option for an appliance-only home warranty plan

Plans and Pricing

HSC has two plan options: The Standard Coverage Plan and the Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Standard Coverage is considered the basic plan option, but it’s anything but basic. It comes with coverage on 18 appliances and systems. Comprehensive Coverage is even broader and covers 27 total major systems and appliances. The Home Service Club has a few service fee options from $65 to $125.

HSC’s plan options:

  • Standard Coverage: This plan features coverage on an air conditioner, water heater, ceiling fan, washer, dishwasher, central vacuum, dryer, garbage disposal, trash compactor, electrical system, refrigerator, food center, plumbing, freestanding ice maker, heating, garage door opener, oven, and built-in microwave.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: This plan covers all 18 items in the Standard plan plus nine more, including whole-house fan, water dispenser, sump pump, plumbing stoppages, toilet, alarm wiring, doorbell, attic fans, ductwork, phone, and pest control.
  • Add-ons: Stand-alone freezer, pump, well pump, roof leaks, water softener, spa, and pool. Utilities and Home Service Line Coverage (gas line, water line, sewer line, sprinkler system).
PlanCost Per MonthCost Per YearService Fee
Standard Coverage$50.40$649.95$65-$95
Comprehensive Coverage$62.90$799.95$65-$95

Get a quote: Fill out this online form to get a free quote from The Home Service Club.

Learn more: The Home Service Club Review

What Is Home Appliance Insurance and What Does It Cover?

Appliance insurance, or a “home warranty,” is a service contract agreement covering the costs to repair or replace your appliances when they inevitably break down. When a refrigerator, washer, or oven has a breakdown, repair or replacement costs range from several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. With a home warranty, you’ll only have to pay a service fee when a major appliance breaks down. Home appliance insurance can save you money and offer you peace of mind that you won’t have to pull from your savings to cover home maintenance.

Here are some common major appliances that are covered under home appliance insurance:

ApplianceAverage LifespanCost to RepairCost to ReplacePotential Savings
Air conditioner15–20 years$347$5,413$1,500
Built-in microwave8 years$125$408$1,485
Clothes washer12 years$310$1,250$1,466
Cooktop13–15 years$220$770$1,607
Dishwasher12 years$150$1,000$1,683
Dryer13–14 years$250$1,075$1,466
Furnace16–25 years$285$4,249$1,500
Garage door opener10–15 years$221$510$1,485
Garbage disposal10 years$196$456$1,037
Range14–19 years$150$1,675$1,607
Refrigerator14 years$310$1,925$1,306
Water heater8–12 years$546$1,065$1,037

Home warranty providers typically offer policies covering home systems and major home appliances. The protected systems are air conditioning, heating, ductwork, plumbing, and electrical. Most home warranty companies have three levels of coverage options: a basic appliances plan that covers appliances and major systems, a combo plan that includes additional coverage like a Whirlpool bathtub or a clothes washer and dryer, and optional add-on coverage for special features like a pool, spa, or guest house.

What To Look For in Home Appliance Insurance Coverage

  • Generous coverage limits: Larger, essential appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines are the most expensive to replace. We recommend prioritizing providers with coverage limits of at least $1,500 per year per appliance. This way, you’ll be less likely to owe anything out of pocket should a repair or replacement exceed your coverage limit. 
  • Reasonable service fees: Every home warranty provider charges an up-front deductible each time you request service for a new issue. Depending on the provider, service fees can range anywhere from $60 to $125. These can add up quickly if you have to submit multiple claims in a year. We suggest finding a home appliance insurance plan with a service fee around the industry average of $76. 
  • Realistic exclusions: As you scan sample contracts, you’ll find that most providers exclude coverage for nonessential appliance features such as knobs, racks, handles, drawers, etc. Before signing up, examine each appliance’s exclusions clauses to know what is and isn’t covered. 

How Much Does Home Appliance Insurance Cost? 

Appliance insurance will cost between $25 and $67 per month or $300 to $650 per year for a basic appliance coverage plan. You can expect to pay between $50 and $75 per month for more comprehensive plans that include coverage for home systems. 

In addition to this monthly premium, you’ll likely pay a trade service call fee (similar to a deductible) that ranges from $75 to $125 whenever you contact the home warranty company for a home service.

The overall cost of your home appliance insurance will vary by state, the company you purchase coverage from, and the level of coverage you buy.

Cost-to-Value to Home Appliance Insurance

Most homeowners find that a home warranty pays for itself within one to two appliance breakdowns. House Method found that across the 67+ leading providers we’ve analyzed and reviewed, a standard home warranty costs $601.86 per year on average. 

Suppose the unexpected occurs, and the motor in your clothes dryer stops working. A single dryer motor repair can cost up to $450. Replacing the entire appliance will cost around $1,700. By investing in that $601.86 premium for home warranty coverage, you’ve saved that initial payment and easily $1,000+, no matter the seriousness of the appliance failure. 

Note: The size and age of your home, appliances, and systems should not affect coverage or costs unless you live in a brand-new home or one larger than 5,000 square feet.

How Does Home Appliance Insurance Work?

Sometimes appliances and systems in your home stop working without warning. You’ll want a fix as quickly as possible, and with a home warranty in place, you’ll be able to get help right away. The video below explains how a home warranty works and how to file a claim when you have an appliance breakdown.

How To Choose the Best Home Appliance Insurance Company

Before buying insurance for appliances in your home, there are various factors to consider, such as home warranty coverage, pricing, customer service, and more. Here are a few factors to consider when searching for a home protection plan:

  • Pick your coverage depth: A home appliance insurance company will likely provide appliance-only, systems-only, and combination plans to meet your coverage needs. Some home warranty providers consider some appliances add-ons and will require an extra fee for them to be a part of your home warranty plan. 
  • Consider coverage caps: Your home warranty provider will likely have coverage limits on certain appliances and systems in your contract, usually $500 to $6,000. Once you reach this limit, you’ll be responsible for paying the remaining costs for either a repair or replacement. The price ceiling usually depends on how much you’re paying monthly and how many items the coverage includes.
  • Compare costs: The cost of monthly premiums and service call fees will vary by provider. We recommend Select Home Warranty for its affordable premiums and service fee if you’re on more budget. Typically, monthly premiums range from $35 to $55 for a plan that only covers either appliances or systems. Comprehensive combo plans typically run from $50 to $70 per month.
  • Review the claims process: Most home warranty providers will approve claims within 24–48 hours of receiving one. Most companies have an online claims portal to help make the process easier. This platform usually allows you to track the status of your claim, future appointments, assigned contractors, payment information, and more.
  • Read real customer reviews: The best way to predict your future experience with any company is by standing in current customers’ shoes. Online customer reviews from verified sources like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) will allow you to spot positive and negative trends between customers and the company before enrolling. 

Types of Home Appliance Protection Plans

There are three home protection plan options to cover household appliances’ costly repairs and replacements: a home warranty, homeowners insurance, and a manufacturer’s warranty. Sometimes the names can get confusing, so here’s everything you need to know about all three plans.

Home Appliance Insurance vs. Manufacturer’s Warranty

With the many different names, getting home appliance insurance can be difficult. To make it simple, “home warranty,” “home appliance warranty,” and “home repair insurance” are all the same things. The policies outlined in this guide are all home warranty providers that can offer appliance insurance coverage. Getting home appliance coverage can be confusing, but under this type of plan, many items are covered without the hassle of having different contracts.

A manufacturer’s warranty is a guarantee from an appliance manufacturer—such as Samsung, Frigidaire, or GE—that its product will perform as advertised for a specific amount of time, typically one to 10 years. However, some manufacturers might cover expensive components—such as a motor—under an extended warranty for a longer period.

FeatureAppliance InsuranceManufacturer’s Warranty
Required?OptionalOptional
Cost$25–$67 per monthUp to $125 per product per year
CoverageCovers most home systems and appliancesOnly covers registered appliances and electronics
ExclusionsAge or brand doesn’t matter, but companies are not liable to match the brand, dimensions, or color.Only covers the registered brand name and specific model at the time of purchase
Coverage Length12 months with the option to renew1–2 years unless you buy an extended warranty
Other Factors to ConsiderTransferable between seller and buyer at closingNon-transferable between buyer and seller during a home sale

Homeowners Insurance vs. Home Appliance Insurance

Homeowners insurance companies protect your home in the event of theft or natural disasters like a tornado or fire. Unlike appliance insurance, a homeowners insurance policy is required by mortgage lenders before you can close on a house. Both policy types have a deductible, and appliance insurance warranties without deductibles are few and far between.

Homeowners’ insurance covers structural and property damage in perils, liability if someone is injured on your property, property lost through theft or damage, and short-term housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to damage or disaster.

Appliance InsuranceHome Insurance
Required?OptionalRequired
Cost$25–$67 per month$600–$2,000 per year
CoverageMost home systems and appliancesStructural damage, theft, liability, and short-term housing costs
ExclusionsCoverage is limited to items explicitly written into the contract that break down due to normal wear and tear.Coverage is limited to perils—such as natural disasters and theft—named by the insurance policy.
Coverage LengthRenew coverage annually or pay in monthly installmentsPremiums are bundled with mortgage payments.
Other Factors to ConsiderCoverage caps at a certain dollar amount, so the provider may not pay for the full cost of the repair or replacement.There’s a set deductible that you’re responsible for paying before the insurance company.

Is Home Appliance Insurance Worth It?

Yes, getting a policy with one of the best appliance insurance companies is worth the investment. These home protection plans save customers thousands of dollars and give homeowners peace of mind. When a covered item breaks under your plan, you can rest assured that an expert will handle the problem as quickly as 24 hours. Some customers have even reported same-day appointments.

Additionally, a home warranty offers homeowners access to a network of local professionals. Instead of nagging your neighbor for the name of their plumber again or spending hours reading home warranty reviews of technicians online, your home warranty provider will schedule an appointment with a local and licensed contractor in your area.

When To Buy Home Appliance Insurance

Home appliance insurance via a home warranty is a wise investment at any time during homeownership. Still, appliance coverage can be especially lucrative for homeowners looking to buy or sell their homes. Failures and malfunctions can happen at any time, and often when you least expect them to.

Sellers who opt for a home warranty before listing their home gain financial protection against breakdowns that may occur while their property is on the market. On the other hand, prospective home buyers tend to feel more confident in a home covered by appliance insurance, knowing that they’re shielded from any maintenance expenses that might arise around the corner. 

Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Home Appliance Insurance?

When selecting a home warranty provider for your home appliances, House Method recommends going with Choice Home Warranty, American Home Shield, or Select Home Warranty. Going with one of these providers will save your wallet and give you peace of mind if one of your major appliances needs a repair or replacement. 

Since each company offers different coverage options and monthly premiums, be sure to look into the different plans offered by each provider and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Best Home Appliance Insurance FAQs

Does American Home Shield offer quality appliance coverage?

An American Home Shield home warranty is well worth the cost and offers some of the best appliance protection on the market. AHS’s ShieldPlatinum covers up to $6,000 per home appliance per year, nearly double what any other home warranty company offers. AHS also offers protection beyond what other companies may deny, like unknown pre-existing conditions or lack of maintenance.

Are extended warranties worth the money?

Most home experts say an extended appliance warranty is rarely worth the cost. An extended warranty typically costs around $200 and only offers protection on one item. In most cases, the appliance won’t need a repair beyond the cost you paid for the entire service agreement, creating a cost-to-value loss. A home warranty is a better option because it only costs around $50 per month and protects over 30 of your home’s appliances and systems.

What isn’t covered by appliance insurance?

Items and scenarios not covered by appliance insurance include:

  • Known or detected pre-existing conditions
  • Cosmetic defects (scratches, dents, dings, etc.)
  • Improper installation
  • Poor routine maintenance or neglect
  • Improper use of the item
  • Damage caused by pests, vermin, or household pets
  • Damage caused by natural disasters or an act of God
  • Appliances already actively covered by a manufacturer’s warranty

Is a home warranty and an extended warranty the same thing?

An extended appliance warranty and a home warranty are not the same. An extended warranty is a continuation of an appliance’s manufacturer’s warranty, which usually adds an extra one to three years of limited protection. Extended warranties also only apply to that one individual item. A home warranty, however, is a form of renewable coverage, usually offered in 12-month terms, that can be used to protect nearly all appliances and systems in the home simultaneously. Appliance-only home warranties are also available through several leading providers. 

House Method Home Warranty Ranking Methodology

At House Method, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. 

To create this rating system, our team spent hours researching more than 60 companies, analyzing 2500+ key data points, getting the thoughts and opinions of 1000+ homeowners, and speaking to home warranty company representatives directly. We also dug into the fine print on each company’s service agreement to ensure no detail was left out.

We developed an objective home warranty review and rating methodology to score each company based on several criteria. We used a five-point scale with a point index ranging from 0.00 to 1.00. The minimum awardable value is 0.0, whereas 1.00 is the maximum. These numeric points are translated into star ratings using whole-star increments between one and five. 

Here is a quick breakdown of our five core scoring categories: 

  • Coverage (0.4): This category evaluates the scope of protection offered by a home warranty provider. We distinguished between limited and broad coverage to help homeowners identify their home protection needs. We also factor in claim turnaround times, average waiting period lengths, plan types, annual coverage limits, policy exclusions, etc.
  • Cost (0.3): This category considers what home warranty companies charge homeowners monthly, annually, and out-of-pocket. We urge homeowners also to consider the cost-to-value ratio of a home warranty plan.
  • Transparency and Trustworthiness (0.15): This category evaluates home warranty providers based on pending or past legal action, hidden fees, lack of information readily available on the website, exclusions, and more. We consider how upfront a company is to its potential policyholders, which says a lot about its products and services.
  • Customer Support and Satisfaction (.09): This category evaluates the efficacy of a home warranty company’s effort to provide supportive guidance to inquiring customers and how policyholders are satisfied with the assistance they receive. 
  • Customization (.06): This category evaluates the ability of homeowners to adjust and choose their policy details, such as pricing variation, optional add-ons, and the number of plans available.

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