Where to Get the Best Refrigerator Warranty (2022)

Refrigerators are the heart of the kitchen — they’re one of the few appliances that 99.8% of U.S. homeowners rely on every day, multiple times a day. Unexpected fridge failures, however, are inconvenient and expensive to fix. Your refrigerator’s original warranty might offer some short-term protection, but only a home warranty can provide comprehensive coverage for the age-related issues that your fridge will face later down the road.

Though the average lifespan of a refrigerator is nine to thirteen years, its manufacturer’s warranty lasts for roughly one year. Though manufacturer’s warranties can be extended, doing so costs about as much as a home warranty plan, yet only your refrigerator will be protected. A home warranty plan offers umbrella coverage for several major appliances around your home, plus your refrigerator. 

Keep reading for more information on different types of refrigerator warranties and our research-backed recommendations for the best home warranty companies that cover refrigerators.

The Best Home Warranty Companies for Refrigerators in 2022

Our in-house research team analyzed 60+ reputable home warranty companies and pinpointed the following providers based on their top-to-bottom refrigerator protection, high appliance coverage limits, and unique inclusions for high-end fridge features.

1. Choice Home Warranty: Best overall
2. Select Home Warranty: Most cost-effective plans
3. American Home Shield: Best customizable plans
4. The Home Service Club: Quickest service
5. Liberty Home Guard: Most trustworthy

Compare Refrigerator Warranties

1. Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty (CHW) holds first place as our top choice for a home warranty provider for refrigerator coverage. Founded in 2008 and currently serving more than 1.6 million homes nationwide, CHW is among the most established home warranty providers in the U.S. Each included appliance is covered by a $3,000 per-item annual coverage limit — one of the highest payout caps in the industry.

All parts and components of your main refrigerator are covered, including any attached freezer unit. Refrigerators of any age, make, or model are eligible for coverage through CHW, so long as it’s in proper working condition at the start date of your enrollment. Policyholders can also add coverage for a second refrigerator to their policy by purchasing one of Choice Home Warranty’s optional coverage riders. This add-on will cost an additional $40 per year, according to a CHW customer service representative. 

CHW’s plans are available in every state except WA

Key Highlights

• Refrigerator repairs and replacements made by CHW are guaranteed free maintenance within 90 days on parts and 30 days on labor
• New joiners get their first month of coverage free when they opt to pay annually rather than monthly
• Doesn’t require an initial home inspection or previous appliance maintenance records

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• The Basic Plan ($45 per month / $560 per year): Covers dishwashers, garbage disposals, built-in microwaves, ovens/ranges/stoves, cooktops, plumbing systems, plumbing stoppages, hot water heaters, whirlpool bathtubs, heating systems, ductwork, ceiling and exhaust fans, electrical systems, and garage door openers.
• The Total Plan ($53.33 per month / $660 per year): Cover all items featured in the Basic Plan plus refrigerators, air conditioning systems, clothes washers, and clothes dryers. 
• Optional Add-Ons ($40-$180 per year): Offers coverage for second refrigerators, stand-alone freezers, central vacuum, limited roof leak, sump pumps, well pumps, pools/spas, septic systems, and septic tank pumping. 
• Service Fee: $85

Fill out this form or call to get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty.

Read our full Choice Home Warranty review for more information.

2. Select Home Warranty

Across all leading providers, Select Home Warranty (SHW) offers the most cost-effective and affordable refrigerator warranties for homeowners. Refrigerator coverage is included in both Select’s appliance-only Bronze Care Plan and its catch-all Platinum Care Plan. The Bronze Care Plan is a good option for homeowners only looking to cover their most basic kitchen and laundry appliances because you’ll only have to pay for what you need. SHW covers all refrigerator parts and components under a $500 annual coverage limit. Select won’t cover sealed systems but does include:

• Control boards
• Compressors
• Thermostats and thermistors
• Damper control
• Wire harnesses
• Evaporator and condenser fan motors
• Pressure switches
• Relays
• Contractors
• Start assists

Select Home Warranty doesn’t offer coverage in WA, WY, NM, or NV.

Key Highlights

• New customers will receive $150 off of their premium plus two months of free coverage and complimentary roof leak protection
• Doesn’t charge an additional fee to transfer a policy
• Allows an unlimited number of repairs or replacements per year (within specified coverage limits)

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• The Bronze Care Plan ($58 per month / $630 per year): The Bronze Care plan covers seven major appliances, including refrigerators, built-in microwaves, clothes washers and dryers, ovens, cooktops, garbage disposals, and refrigerators. 
• The Gold Care Plan ($57.67 per month / $630 per year): The Gold Care plan covers a total of six built-in systems, including plumbing, air conditioning, heating, water heaters, electrical systems, and ductwork. 
• The Platinum Care Plan ($62.08 per month / $699.99 per year): By purchasing Platinum Care, you’ll owe just a few dollars more per month but will benefit from double the coverage that you’d get with either of the other two plans. As a cost-effective plan option that doesn’t compromise coverage, we strongly recommend that Illinois homeowners consider Platinum Care.
• Optional Add-Ons ($39.99- $99.95 per year): Select also has several add-on options available for customers looking for more personalized coverage, including lawn sprinkler systems, pools and spas, septic systems, well pumps, sump pumps, central vacuum, and roof leak repairs.

• Service Fee: $60

For a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online formor call 888-370-3953.

Read our full Select Home Warranty review for more details.

3. American Home Shield

Often celebrated as the founder of the home warranty industry,American Home Shield (AHS) boasts a 50-year tenure in the field and a customer base of over 1.8 million. refrigerator coverage is available in ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum plans only and covers up to $3,000 in related costs per contract term, as ShieldSilver only covers select systems.

American Home Shield has contractual agreements that are a minimum of one year long, with a 30-day waiting period after registration and the option to renew your home warranty coverage at the start of each year. None of its home warranty plan options require a home inspection before sign-up. 

American Home Shield doesn’t offer coverage in Alaska.

Key Highlights

• Covers refrigerators, appliances, and systems of all ages, makes, and models
• Offers several stackable savings opportunities, including a $25 Amazon gift card through the Refer-A-Friend program, multi-property warranty discounts, up to 50% off retail prices on air filters, marked down brand-name appliances, and more.  
• Customers can choose between a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee, but a lower service fee results in a higher monthly premium and vice versa.

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• ShieldSilver ($29.27- $44.27 per month / $347.88 – $527.88 per year): Covers 19 systems, including HVAC, attic fans, home security alarms, bath exhaust fans, and more.
• ShieldGold ($39.27 – $54.27 per month / $467.88 – $647.88 per year): Covers 23 systems and appliances, including refrigerators, trash compactors, doorbells, re-keying, water dispensers, and more.
• ShieldPlatinum ($59.27 – $74.27 per month / $711.88 – $891.88 per year): Combo plan covers 27 systems and appliances, including roof leaks.
• Optional Add-Ons: Offers coverage for pool/spa, septic pumps, well pumps, roof leaks, and guest house repairs.

• Service Fee: $75, $100, or $125

For a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.

To learn more about AHS, visit our American Home Shield review.

4. The Home Service Club

The Home Service Club (HSC) offers the quickest home warranty coverage for refrigerators. When you sign up for a policy through HSC, your home warranty benefits will be activated just ten days after your plan’s purchase date. Competing providers usually instate a 30-day waiting period for new joiners, but HSC cuts that wait time by more than two weeks. This provider also offers specialty real estate protection plans created specifically for homeowners in the process of buying or selling a home. 

Key Highlights

• Policyholders who choose to pay annually will receive two free months of coverage
• Doesn’t charge a transfer fee
• New joiners have access to an extra $150 plus free roof coverage

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• Standard Coverage Plan ($50 per month / $650 per year): Covers 18 systems and appliances, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, refrigerators, refrigerators, freestanding ice makers, trash compactors, etc.
• Comprehensive Coverage Plan ($62.90 per month / $800 per year): Covers 33 systems and appliances as well as waste/water/gas line leaks, pest control, telephone and alarm wiring, smoke detectors, plumbing stoppages, and more. 
• Optional Add-Ons ($3.33 to $16.66 per month): Offers additional coverage for roof leaks, water/sewer/gas/power lines, sewage ejector pumps, sprinkler irrigation, pools and spas, well pumps, water softener, jetted bathtubs, dual-compressor refrigerators, and freestanding freezers.
• Service Fee: $60, $75, or $95 

To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-842-9334.

Continue reading about HSC in our complete The Home Service Club review.

5. Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard (LHG)] offers robust home warranty coverage at cost-effective rates and doesn’t base enrollment eligibility on a preliminary home inspection or the property’s age. This provider also has partnership policies available for real estate professionals and technicians. For homeowners looking specifically for refrigerator coverage, LHG offers an appliance-only plan called Appliance Guard that offers comprehensive coverage for items like refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, etc. 

Liberty Home Guard’s three plan variations are available in 48 states and Washington, D.C., excluding WA and WI.

Key Highlights

• New customers will receive $200 off, two free bonus months of coverage, and free roof leak protection.
• LHG doesn’t enforce binding contracts, meaning you’re free to cancel at any time.
• Offers a 60-day workmanship warranty to rectify and address any faulty repair services. 

Plans, Cost, and Coverage

• Appliance Guard ($70 per month/$700 per year): Covers 11 appliances including, microwaves, refrigerators, ice makers, clothes washers/dryers, garbage disposals, and more. 
• Systems Guard ($74.99 per month/$750 per year): Covers nine systems including, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, water heaters, electrical, toilets, bath exhaust fans, ceiling fans, and ductwork. 
• Total Home Guard ($79.99 per month/$799.99 per year): Combination of the 20 appliances and systems in both plans mentioned above. 
• Optional Add-Ons ($49.99 – $299.99 per year): Offers coverage for pool/spa, septic system pumping, well pumps, sump pumps, central vacuums, stand-alone freezers, second refrigerators, limited roof leaks, water softener, and re-keying. 

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

Continue reading about LHG in our Liberty Home Guard review. 

What is a Home Warranty for Refrigerators?

A home warranty is a renewable service contract that covers the cost to repair or replace your home’s main appliances and systems, including your refrigerator. When your fridge stalls out due to normal wear and tear over time, a home warranty ensures that a thousand-dollar repair can be rectified by your monthly premium of less than $100. 

Other Types of Refrigerator Warranties

• Manufacturer’s Warranty: A manufacturer’s warranty is a contract that comes with the refrigerator at the time of purchase, and is typically included in the unit’s sales price. This type of warranty typically offers one year of coverage on parts and labor, strictly for factory defects and workmanship flaws that have affected the refrigerator’s functionality. 

• Limited Warranty: A limited warranty only guarantees select components of your refrigerator, and perhaps under additional limitations as well. Some limited warranties only cover parts and not labor. 

• Extended Warranty:  An extended warranty is a continuation of your refrigerator’s manufacturer’s warranty that can be purchased before the original warranty expires. Extended warranties typically last about a year but can be renewed. 
• Sealed System Warranty: Because most refrigerator warranty types won’t cover sealed systems — the closed network of internal components responsible for your fridge’s ability to cool — a sealed system warranty offer exclusive coverage for those specific features.

Compare Refrigerator Warranties by Brand

In the table below, we’ve compiled the different refrigerator warranty terms offered by top appliance brands so you can see how their protection plans vary in coverage length and breadth. 

Who Needs a Refrigerator Warranty?

Investing in a long-term refrigerator warranty is a smart move for any homeowner with kitchen refrigerators, but may be especially worthwhile for homeowners who:

• Have high-end appliances that are likely to require expensive specialty replacement parts and overall more expensive repairs
• Have older or hand-me-down appliances that seem less reliable
• Have no emergency savings earmarked for annual household repairs
• Have an expired manufacturer’s warranty

What Does a Refrigerator Home Warranty Cover?

Though inclusions and exclusions will vary from company to company, most home warranty providers will cover refrigerator fixes for:

• Compressors
• Condensor and evaporator coils
• Expansion devices/valves
• Control panels
• Timers
• Thermostats and thermistors
• Damper control 
• Pressure switches 
• Start relays
• Contactors

Keep in mind that home warranties cover a lot more than just refrigerators. While securing protection against fridge failures, you’ll also be covered for: 

What Doesn’t a Refrigerator Home Warranty Cover? 

Home warranties are only designed to help homeowners offset repair and replacement costs caused by age-related deterioration. For that reasons, damage to your refrigerator usually won’t be covered if it was caused by:

• Improper installation
• Detected or known pre-existing conditions
• Cosmetic or factory defects
• Poor routine maintenance or neglect
• Pests, invasive wildlife, or pets

Specific to refrigerators, most leading service providers will cover all components and parts except for: 

• Audio and visual equipment for smart components
• Sealed systems
• Functional pieces — racks, shelves, handles, thermal shells, hinges, seals, gaskets, latches, light bulbs, and other removable accessories.
• Food spoilage
• Clogged drain or water lines
• Water and air filters

How Much Does a Refrigerator Home Warranty Cost?

When you purchase a home warranty for a refrigerator, you’ll pay a monthly premium, usually between $45 and $65, or a one-time fee of around $540 to $780 per year. This primary payment goes toward your base plan for any repairs or replacements needed on covered items for that 12-month contract term. 

Outside of how much the plan itself costs, you’ll be responsible for a deductible, called a service fee, each time you file a new claim. This out-of-pocket payment can cost anywhere from $60 to $125, depending on your provider. 

All home warranty plans have an annual payout cap, typically instated per item, which caps the amount your provider will contribute toward appliance or system maintenance each year. For refrigerators, this annual dollar limit usually ranges between $500 and $3,000. Any repairs or replacements exceeding your provider’s specified coverage limit will be left to you to pay out of pocket. 

Costs Associated with Refrigerator Repair and Replacement

There are several common problems that you’re likely to experience with any refrigerator:

• Running too warm
• Running too cold
• Leaking refrigerant or water
• Loud noises or rattling
• Broken ice machine or water dispenser

Depending on the severity of the issue, repairs, and part replacement costs can hit your wallet hard. The cost of repair doesn’t end at parts. You have to pay for professional labor, too. Here are just a few examples of the average cost for certain refrigerator repairs:

• A leak caused by a broken sealing system: $300–$400
• Water pooling due to a defective drain: $200
• A broken compressor causing warmer temperatures: $500–$700

How Does a Home Warranty for Refrigerators Work?

Open a Claim

To jump-start the repair or replacement process, you’ll first need to notify your provider of the issue with your refrigerator. This can usually be done one of two ways: either by calling your company’s customer service line directly or by submitting a claim form through your designed online member portal. 

On average, it may take up to 48 hours for your service provider to process your request before a claim decision is made. 

Diagnostic Appointment

Before your refrigerator can be repaired or replaced at little or no cost to you, your home warranty company will send out a technician to assess the issue in person. At this first service appointment, the technician will draft a price quote for the estimated cost of work needed to be done. Once your provider receives that estimate, same- or next-day service will be scheduled for the final service appointment. 

Pay the Service Fee

You’ll be responsible for covering the service fee amount stated in your service agreement at the time of or prior to the first home visit. This fee covers any labor costs and also compensates the technician for any expenses incurred while traveling to your property. 

Repair or Replacement

Once the technician’s initial estimate is approved by your provider, the necessary repair or replacement will be completed. Beyond the service fee paid during the diagnostic appointment, you won’t owe anything further.

Final Thoughts

After adding necessary labor fees, it is easy to see why a home warranty is cost-effective. The annual cost of your warranty could be comparable to just one of these fixes. We choose Choice Home Warranty as our favorite provider for home appliance warranties because of the value that they bring to customers.

• Nearly 25% of American households have more than one refrigerator. You have the option to add a second refrigerator to your coverage.
• Home warranty plans with Choice Home Warranty are less expensive than many competitors in the industry. Plans start at about $1 a day.
• Customer support is available all day, every day.
• Easily make a claim online.
• There are no annual coverage caps.
• A home inspection is not required to get a home warranty.
• The age of your appliance does not affect coverage.

Customers also agree in their reviews that Choice Home Warranty is a quality provider:

“I’ve only submitted two claims but both were scheduled technician visits [within] 24 hours. The technicians were extremely professional, they were very friendly, and extremely technically competent. So glad I picked Choice Home Warranty.” – Joseph, December 2018

“My refrigerator temperature control was allowing my refrigerator side to freeze the food. I called Choice and they sent a company to check it out. The company has ordered the part and will repair it as soon as the part arrives.” — Ada, July 2018

“Efficient prompt service. Very understanding and courteous associates who seem to be concerned about customer needs. Very grateful and impressed with results. Thank you.” — Anne, August 2018

Receive a free quote for a home warranty today. Just call 929-400-6164 or go online to enter your details.

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 over 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 home warranty 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 clearly distinguished between limited or broad coverage to help homeowners identify their own 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, annual, 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.