Home appliances are the unsung heroes of our daily lives—until they break down. That’s where home appliance insurance (also known as an appliance home warranty) comes in. Whether it’s a refrigerator on the fritz or a dishwasher that suddenly decides to take early retirement, a good home warranty plan can save you from hefty repair bills.
We’ve evaluated the top home appliance insurance providers in the industry to help you find the best fit for your needs. Let’s break it down.
Top Home Appliance Insurance Providers
After extensive research, the following companies emerged as the best options for appliance insurance:
- American Home Shield (AHS) – Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty (CHW) – Best for Budget-Friendly Plans
- First American Home Warranty (FAHW) – Best for High-End Appliance Coverage
- Elite Home Warranty – Best for Customizable Coverage
- AFC Home Warranty – Best for Technician Flexibility
How Home Appliance Insurance Works
Unlike homeowner’s insurance, which covers catastrophic events (think fires and floods), home appliance insurance covers everyday wear and tear on your household appliances. This means if your refrigerator stops cooling or your oven refuses to heat, your home warranty provider steps in to cover repairs or replacements—after you pay a service fee.
How Much Does Home Appliance Insurance Cost?
Pricing varies by provider, home size, and location. Below is a cost comparison of our top picks:
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $30–$130 | $100–$125 |
| Choice Home Warranty | $47–$55 | $100 |
| First American Home Warranty | $42–$82 | $100–$125 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $50–$60 | $70 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $32–$95 | $75–$125 |
The service fee is the amount you pay per claim before your provider covers the rest. Higher service fees generally lower your monthly premium.
What Does Home Appliance Insurance Cover?
Most plans include coverage for essential appliances such as:
- Kitchen appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, built-in microwaves
- Laundry appliances: Washers and dryers
- Additional items: Garbage disposals, exhaust fans, ceiling fans
Some providers offer add-ons for coverage of garage refrigerators, sump pumps, and even pool equipment.
🔗 Want to understand the difference between home insurance and a home warranty? Check out this guide from Investopedia.
What’s NOT Covered?
While home appliance insurance is useful, it doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:
❌ Cosmetic damage – Scratches, dents, and broken handles
❌ Pre-existing conditions – Issues that existed before you bought the plan
❌ Acts of nature – Flooding, fires, and other natural disasters (covered by homeowner’s insurance)
❌ Routine maintenance – Cleaning and tune-ups
Pro tip: Always read the fine print in your home warranty contract to avoid unexpected surprises.
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies
1. American Home Shield (Best Comprehensive Coverage)
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
Why We Recommend It:
American Home Shield (AHS) is the industry leader, covering a wide range of appliances with high payout limits of up to $4,000 per appliance. Unlike some competitors, AHS also covers older appliances and those with undetectable pre-existing conditions.
💰 Cost: $30–$130 per month
💵 Service Fee: $100–$125
✅ Pros:
✔ High appliance coverage caps ($4,000 per item)
✔ Covers old and damaged appliances
✔ Covers cosmetic parts like rollers and trays
❌ Cons:
❌ Higher monthly premiums
❌ No appliance-only plan
2. Choice Home Warranty (Best for Budget-Friendly Plans)
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
Why We Recommend It:
For homeowners on a budget, Choice Home Warranty offers solid appliance protection at an affordable rate. At under $60 per month, it’s one of the best values in the industry.
💰 Cost: $47–$55 per month
💵 Service Fee: $100
✅ Pros:
✔ $3,000 per appliance coverage cap
✔ Transparent online pricing
✔ 60-day workmanship guarantee
❌ Cons:
❌ Has faced lawsuits over claim denials
❌ Basic plan doesn’t cover refrigerators or washers/dryers
🔗 Need help choosing a plan? Read about factors to consider from Consumer Reports.
3. First American Home Warranty (Best for High-End Items)
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
Why We Recommend It:
If you own high-end appliances, First American Home Warranty offers up to $7,000 per appliance in coverage, making it a top pick for luxury homes.
💰 Cost: $42–$82 per month
💵 Service Fee: $100–$125
✅ Pros:
✔ Generous $7,000 per appliance coverage cap
✔ Covers high-end refrigerators, washers, and dryers
✔ Appliance age doesn’t affect coverage
❌ Cons:
❌ Pre-existing conditions may not be covered
❌ The lowest-tier plan excludes major appliances
4. Elite Home Warranty (Best for Customizable Plans)
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
Why We Recommend It:
Elite Home Warranty stands out for its “Customize Your Own” policy, allowing homeowners to pick and choose exactly what they want covered.
💰 Cost: $50–$60 per month
💵 Service Fee: $70
✅ Pros:
✔ Low $70 service fee
✔ 90-day workmanship guarantee
✔ Covers high-end appliances
❌ Cons:
❌ Some coverage limits are lower than competitors
❌ Exhaust fans aren’t covered
5. AFC Home Warranty (Best for Technician Flexibility)
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
Why We Recommend It:
AFC Home Warranty gives homeowners the rare option to choose their own repair technician, unlike most competitors who assign one for you.
💰 Cost: $32–$95 per month
💵 Service Fee: $75–$125
✅ Pros:
✔ Unlimited workmanship guarantee
✔ Ability to use your preferred contractor
✔ High-tech appliance coverage options
❌ Cons:
❌ Must submit claims immediately
❌ Lower coverage limits for older appliances
Key Takeaway: Is Home Appliance Insurance Worth It?
If your appliances are aging and you want to avoid sudden, expensive repairs, a home warranty can be a lifesaver. However, choosing the right provider requires careful evaluation of coverage limits, exclusions, and pricing.
✔ Best Overall: American Home Shield
✔ Best Budget-Friendly Option: Choice Home Warranty
✔ Best for High-End Appliances: First American Home Warranty
Before making a decision, compare plans and read sample contracts to understand what’s covered. Your appliances—and your wallet—will thank you.
🔗 Want to compare more providers? Check out this comparison from the Better Business Bureau.