Having appliance insurance can provide valuable protection against unexpected repair bills or replacement costs when your major home appliances break down. Instead of footing costly repair fees out of pocket, appliance insurance can cover or defray many of these expenses.
Choosing the right appliance insurance plan involves comparing factors like coverage, costs, exclusions, claims processes, and more across providers.
This comprehensive guide examines the best appliance insurance companies to consider in 2023. We dive into the pros, cons, features, pricing, and coverage details to help you find the best plan.
Overview of Appliance Insurance
Appliance insurance provides coverage for breakdowns, mechanical issues, and system failures on your major home appliances and systems. This can include things like:
- Refrigerators
- Ovens and ranges
- Dishwashers
- Clothes washers and dryers
- HVAC systems
- Water heaters
Plans usually cover the costs to repair or replace the appliances if they stop functioning properly. This can save you thousands in repair expenses or having to purchase new appliances.
Coverage often extends to appliances in rental units, secondary homes, and more. But details vary between providers.
Most appliance insurance plans do not have comprehensive warranties. They have limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Common examples include:
- Caps on total annual payout amounts.
- Exclusions for cosmetic damage or normal wear and tear.
- Limited or no coverage for appliances over a certain age.
- Waiting periods before pre-existing issues are covered.
Carefully reading the fine print is crucial to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. We outline the key policy details for major providers below.
What Does Appliance Insurance Cover?
- Breakdowns & Mechanical Failures – Failures of parts like motors, compressors, etc. that leave the appliance inoperable are generally covered.
- Electrical Problems – Issues with electrical components or circuits that stop the appliance from working properly.
- Factory Defects – Manufacturing issues that lead to premature failures are often covered.
- Food Spoilage – Some plans may cover food spoilage if a refrigerator or freezer failure causes food to spoil.
- No Age Limits – Many plans cover appliances of any age, unlike manufacturer warranties.
- All Major Brands – Most insurance covers major brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, etc. Some cover just certain brands.
- Rental or Secondary Appliances – Protection often extends to appliances in rental units, secondary homes, etc.
- Repair Costs – Both parts and labor to repair the appliance are typically included.
- Replacement Costs – If an appliance cannot be repaired, plans may provide reimbursement for a replacement.
- No Claim Limits – Most insurance plans do not limit the number of covered claims.
- Fast Repair Service – Many providers offer fast dispatch of authorized repair technicians.
Knowing the details of what is and isn’t covered is essential when choosing appliance insurance. Be sure to read the fine print of any plan closely.
American Home Shield Appliance Insurance
Overview – American Home Shield (AHS) is a leading insurance company that offers both traditional home warranty plans as well as appliance-specific coverage. Their AHS Appliance Insurance provides protection for common home appliances and systems.
Cost – Plans start at $10 per month with options up to $40 per month depending on coverage level and number of appliances included. Annual plans offer cost savings compared to monthly payments.
Coverage – Three tiered plans are available:
- Essential Plan – Covers refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer, and ranges.
- Complete Plan – Above plus dishwasher, microwave, and more.
- Premier Plan – Covers all key kitchen and laundry appliances.
You can add supplemental A/C, pool, and water heater coverage for an additional fee.
Benefits
- No caps on the number of claims.
- Covers new replacement costs if the appliance can’t be repaired.
- 24/7 claims service number for fast response.
Limitations
- Only certain brands are covered. Lists vary by state.
- $100 service fee per claim.
- 2 claims limit for water heaters and A/C systems.
Overall, AHS Appliance Insurance provides comprehensive options backed by an established insurance provider. But brand restrictions and repair fees are drawbacks to consider.
Cinch Home Appliance Insurance
Overview – Cinch Home Insurance offers specialty appliance coverage to complement its other home insurance products. The Cinch Home Appliance Insurance provides protection for common major appliances.
Cost – Plans start at $14.99 per month with pricing up to $24.99 for higher coverage levels. Costs are slightly cheaper when paying annually.
Coverage – Two main tiers:
- Core Appliance Plan – Covers kitchen/laundry basics like refrigerator, washer/dryer, and range.
- Comprehensive Appliance Plan – Above plus dishwasher, more appliances.
Optional add-on for additional A/C units available.
Benefits
- No limits on the number of claims.
- Fast claims processing and repair dispatch.
- Covers food spoilage if fridge/freezer fails.
Limitations
- Only certain brands and models are covered. Lists vary by state.
- $100 deductible per claim filed.
- Provides repair services, not cash payouts.
Cinch offers streamlined appliance insurance focused on ease of use. But brand availability depends on location. Claims include a deductible which can add up.
First American Home Appliance Contract
Overview – First American Home Warranty offers add-on appliance coverage through their First American Home Appliance Contract (HAC). This provides insurance for common home systems.
Cost – Plans range from $180 – $470 per year depending on number of appliances covered and optional add-ons.
Coverage – Main plans cover kitchen appliances, laundry, electrical, and external A/C units. Optional coverage can be added for other home systems like plumbing, pools, and roof leak repair.
Benefits
- Covers unknown pre-existing conditions after 30 days.
- No cap on the number of claims.
- Access to discounts and annual renewal.
Limitations
- Standard $100 service fee per claim.
- The limited list of covered appliance brands and models.
- Provides repair services, not cash reimbursements.
First American HAC gives protection backed by a major home warranty provider. But service fees add up and covered appliance brands are restricted.
GE Appliances Appliance Insurance
Overview – GE Appliances offers its own GE Appliance Insurance policies to cover major home appliances. They focus specifically on GE, GE Profile, and GE-branded appliance models.
Cost – Plans range from $149 to $529 per year depending on the number of appliances covered and the length of terms. Monthly payments are also available.
Coverage – Policies can cover ranges, cooktops, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, washers and dryers. Both repairs and replacements are covered.
Benefits
- Covers all GE appliance brands up to any age.
- Access to GE’s large network of factory-authorized service technicians.
- Replacement benefit if the appliance cannot be fixed.
Limitations
- Only covers appliances with GE or GE-affiliated brand names.
- $50 deductible applies to each repair or replacement.
- Limited covered causes of failure. Cosmetic damage not included.
GE Appliance Insurance provides excellent coverage but only for GE and GE-branded appliance models. Other brands are not eligible.
Repair PAL Appliance Repair Insurance
Overview – Repair PAL offers Repair PAL Appliance Repair Insurance covering breakdowns on all major home appliance brands and models.
Cost – Plans range from $14.99 to $54.99 per month depending on the number of appliances covered. Monthly contracts with no long-term commitments.
Coverage – Options for refrigerator + oven/range coverage, full kitchen package, whole home appliance package, and more.
Benefits
- Covers all appliances from any brand. No age or model restrictions.
- No caps on the number of claims or repairs.
- Access to a fast service network with 30 30-minute response time guarantee.
Limitations
- Appliances 10+ years old have a mandatory $200 deductible.
- Cosmetic defects like dents or scratches are not covered.
- May use refurbished parts instead of new replacements.
Repair PAL stands out for covering all brands with no restrictions. But older appliances have required deductibles and repairs may use non-new parts.
Fay Appliance Insurance
Overview – Fay offers appliance insurance plans in select states through local appliance sales and service centers. The Fay Appliance Insurance covers the repair and replacement of major home appliances.
Cost – Annual premiums range from $139 to $359 depending on number of appliances covered and dollar limits per appliance.
Coverage – Options for kitchen package, whole home package, and individual appliance coverage.
Benefits
- Access to local technicians through Fay’s approved service network.
- Replacement reimbursement is available if the appliance cannot be fixed.
- No exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Limitations
- Limited availability in Midwest, South, and Mountain regions.
- Does not cover cosmetic defects, accessories, shelving, etc.
- Requires multi-year commitments for appliance replacement coverage.
Fay provides coverage through trusted local repair centers but has limited regional availability and requires longer-term contracts.
Warranty Trust 100 Appliance Insurance
Overview – Warranty Trust 100 offers specialty extended warranty contracts covering home appliances and systems. Their Appliance Insurance Plan protects against breakdowns.
Cost – Plans range from $20 to $70 per month depending on the number and types of appliances covered.
Coverage – Options for basic kitchen packages, whole home packages, individual appliances, and more.
Benefits
- Covers all brands of appliances with no age restrictions.
- Access to a network of local repair technicians.
- No cap on the number of claims during the coverage period.
Limitations
- Cosmetic defects are not covered.
- May provide refurbished replacement parts.
- Multi-year contracts are required. Cancellation fees apply.
Warranty Trust 100 plans cover all brands and ages. But replacements may use refurbished parts and longer commitments are required.
Assurant Appliance Insurance
Overview – Assurant is a leading insurance provider offering many types of specialty property coverage. Their Assurant Appliance Insurance protects kitchen, laundry, HVAC, and other home systems.
Cost – Monthly premiums range from $10 – $30 depending on the number and types of appliances covered.
Coverage – Options for basic appliance coverage, whole home coverage, and major systems coverage.
Benefits
- Covers all appliance brands and ages.
- No caps on the number of covered repair claims.
- Access to a network of local technicians.
Limitations
- Cosmetic damage is not covered.
- The deductible of $50 to $100 applies per claim.
- Provides repair services only unless replacement add-on purchased.
Assurant offers flexible appliance insurance for all brands, but claims include significant deductibles that can add up over time.
American First Insurance Appliance Protection
Overview – American First Insurance offers specialty appliance and systems protection plans. Their Appliance Protection policies cover repair and replacement costs for breakdowns.
Cost – Plans range from $300 – $700 per year depending on number of appliances included.
Coverage – Options for kitchen packages, whole home packages, or individual appliances.
Benefits
- Covers all brands and has no age limits.
- Provides replacement reimbursement if repair is not possible.
- No cap on the number of claims.
Limitations
- Must be an American First home insurance member to qualify.
- $100 deductible per claim.
- Cosmetic defects are not covered.
American First Appliance Protection requires membership but offers solid coverage. Deductibles apply and may be higher in some states.
Trinity Home Protection Appliance Plans
Overview – Trinity Home Protection offers home warranty and appliance coverage options. Their Appliance Protection Plans cover repair costs for major appliances.
Cost – Plans range from $180 – $550 annually depending on the number of appliances included.
Coverage – Options for essential kitchen packages, whole home packages, or individual appliances.
Benefits
- Covers most major brands up to 15 years old.
- No cap on the number of claims.
- Access to a network of local repair technicians.
Limitations
- $100 deductible per claim.
- Does not cover cosmetic defects.
- Replacement reimbursement is capped at $500 per appliance.
Trinity offers broad appliance brand coverage but caps replacement costs and charges deductibles.
Protect Appliance Repair Coverage
Overview – Protect offers specialty appliance breakdown coverage plans. Their Appliance Repair Coverage covers repair costs on major home appliances.
Cost – Plans range from $180 – $500 annually depending on number of appliances covered.
Coverage – Options for essential systems, whole home coverage, and individual appliances.
Benefits
- Covers most major brands up to 10 years old.
- Repair costs are covered in full, with no deductibles.
- No cap on the number of claims per year.
Limitations
- Does not provide replacement appliance reimbursement.
- Limited availability – only about 15 states.
- Cosmetic damage is not covered.
Protect offers deductible-free repair coverage on most brands but lacks replacement coverage and regional availability.
Let me know if you would like me to expand on any of these additional providers or add more companies to compare!
Key Factors in Choosing Appliance Insurance
Here are some of the critical considerations when selecting appliance insurance:
Covered Appliances – What specific appliances and systems are included? How flexible are the options?
Brand and Age Limits – Are there restrictions on brands covered? Maximum appliance ages?
Coverage Exclusions – What causes of breakdowns are excluded? Review limitations closely.
Costs – What are the monthly or annual premium costs? Are there per-claim fees?
Deductibles – Are deductibles required per repair claim submitted? How much?
Replacement Policies – Does the plan reimburse for replacements or only cover repair costs?
Company Reputation – Do they have a solid reputation for paying claims fairly and responsive service?
Availability – Do they provide coverage in your state and area?
By evaluating these key factors, you can zero in on appliance insurance plans that provide the coverage options, costs, and service experience that match your needs and budget. Protect yourself from expensive appliance problems with the right policy.
How Does Appliance Insurance Work?
- You pay a monthly or annual premium for coverage. Plans can be purchased directly from insurers or sometimes added on to existing home insurance.
- Premium costs depend on factors like the number of appliances covered, coverage limits, and add-ons. More appliances and higher limits equals higher costs.
- Appliance insurance provides protection against breakdowns, mechanical issues, and system failures on covered appliances and home systems.
- When your appliance stops working, you simply file a claim just as you would with other insurance plans. This can often be done 24/7 by phone or online.
- After confirming coverage details, the insurance company dispatches an authorized repair technician to evaluate and fix the appliance.
- The cost of any covered parts and labor for the repair is paid for under your appliance insurance plan, subject to any deductible or limitations.
- If the appliance cannot be repaired, the policy may provide reimbursement for replacement costs up to specified limits.
- Appliance insurance often renews annually. You pay a new premium each term to continue protection.
Appliance insurance provides peace of mind against expensive repairs and replacements for covered breakdowns and failures. Make sure to understand policy coverage and exclusions.
Is Appliance Insurance Worth the Cost?
Whether appliance insurance is “worth it” depends on your individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Compare premium costs to potential repair/replacement costs you may incur. Would premiums cost more than just paying for repairs as needed?
Appliance Ages and Lifespans
- New appliances are less likely to need repairs covered. As appliances age, the protection becomes more beneficial.
Your Budget and Risk Tolerance
- Can you comfortably pay for surprise appliance repairs or buy new ones if needed? Or would appliance failures cause financial hardship?
Prior Repair History
- If your appliances already have a history of breakdowns, the coverage is likely more useful.
Existing Warranties or Protection
- Many new appliances come with limited manufacturer warranties. Don’t overpay for redundant coverage.
Usage Frequency
- Appliances used heavily like refrigerators and washing machines see more wear and tear. More usage equals more value from protection plans.
Plan Exclusions
- Many plans have significant exclusions like wear-and-tear failures or cosmetic damage that reduce utility.
Credibility of Provider
- Reputable providers are more likely to pay claims fairly. Check reviews and complaints.
Considering these factors helps determine if appliance insurance makes financial sense for your situation or not. Evaluate your specific needs and risks.