Home Appliance Warranty Coverage: What's Included and Why It Matters

Household appliances are at the heart of your daily routine. From the refrigerator that keeps your food fresh to the washer and dryer that handle endless laundry, you rely on these machines and others to keep your home running smoothly. When one breaks, it can disrupt your entire schedule and finances.

A household appliance warranty provides a budget-friendly way to save on repair and replacement costs when covered appliances fail due to normal wear and tear. Read on to learn how home appliance warranties work, what’s included, and the financial peace of mind they offer.

What Is a Household Appliance Warranty?

A manufacturer’s warranty typically covers defects for a limited time after purchase. A home appliance warranty covers breakdowns from normal wear and tear and can be renewed annually, providing ongoing budget protection after factory coverage ends. First American appliance warranties can be renewed annually, providing an ongoing financial safety net and a convenient way to get covered items fixed:

• When a covered appliance breaks, submit a service request online or by phone.
• We’ll assign a prescreened independent service provider who will schedule an appointment to diagnose the issue and confirm coverage.
• Once coverage is confirmed, the technician will repair the broken item. If it can’t be fixed, we’ll replace it.*

Over time, the value of a home warranty can add up, especially if several covered appliances need attention within a short time span. Each appliance breakdown requires its own service request and service fee, but the cost of a service fee is typically far less than paying out of pocket for a full repair or replacement.

Are Household Appliance Warranties Worth It?

For many homeowners, the reasons why appliance warranties are worth it include:

• Simplified service. When something breaks, you don't have to search for a technician or compare quotes on your own. First American Home Warranty assigns a prescreened independent service provider from our network to diagnose the issue.
• Helps manage costs. With a home warranty, you pay a set service fee each time you request service, which can help manage covered repair and replacement costs. Keep in mind that non-covered charges may apply depending on the repair. Always review your home warranty contract to understand what's included and not included with coverage.
• Extra layers of protection. Some home warranty companies, like First American Home Warranty, offer coverage options and upgrades, such as pool/spa coverage,/blog/home-warranty-coverage-limits luxury appliance coverage, and more.
• Peace of mind. Knowing your covered appliances are financially protected reduces the stress of homeownership. It’s one less “what if” to worry about.
• The plan's cost could pay for itself. Compare home appliance warranty cost (the annual or monthly premium you pay for coverage) with the price of a major repair or replacement. In some cases, just one covered repair or replacement could exceed your home warranty’s premium.

While no home warranty plan covers everything, the combination of budget protection, convenience, and peace of mind can provide lasting value. Having coverage in place can make it easier to manage the inevitable appliance breakdowns that come with homeownership.

What Appliances are Covered?

When evaluating what a home warranty covers on appliances, most First American appliance warranties include (or offer optional coverage for) the major household appliances listed below.

Oven, Range, and Cooktop

Whether you have a gas range, an electric oven, or a dual-fuel model, a home warranty can help if it breaks down. With a First American appliance warranty for ovens, ranges, and cooktops, you simply request service when your covered item breaks, and let one of our prescreened independent service providers handle the repair or replacement once coverage is confirmed.

Dishwasher

While dishwashers are valuable kitchen workhorses, breakdowns are common. A household appliance warranty can help take the stress out of a covered breakdown. In most service areas, First American will assign a prescreened independent service provider to diagnose and repair the issue.

Refrigerator

Your refrigerator runs virtually nonstop, making it one of your home’s most important appliances. Average refrigerator repairs can range from $300 to over $1,000, while replacing one can cost several thousand dollars for a high-end model. A home appliance warranty can help protect your budget when your covered refrigerator fails.

Washer and Dryer

Washers and dryers are among the hardest-working machines in your home. A washer typically has an average service lifespan of 10 years, while dryers often last a little longer. When these appliances inevitably fail, washer coverage and dryer coverage can help you get them fixed.

Built-in Microwave

Microwaves are among the most frequently used kitchen appliances. A household appliance warranty makes it easier to repair or replace a covered microwave when it stops working.

What’s Not Included in Home Appliance Warranties

A home appliance warranty is a powerful tool, but it doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:

• Cosmetic issues such as scratches or dents
• Damage from misuse, neglect, or improper installation
• Known problems that existed before the home appliance warranty started
• Nonessential features that don’t contribute to the appliance’s primary function; for example, smart/Wi-Fi components in a kitchen refrigerator

Do Home Appliance Warranties Have Coverage Limits?

Your home warranty contract lists the home appliances and systems that are included in your plan, along with the terms, conditions, and coverage limits that apply to them. Because plans vary, it’s always a good idea to review your contract to:

• Understand the coverage limits for your plan. A coverage limit is the maximum dollar amount a home warranty company will pay to repair or replace certain covered items. By knowing the coverage limits for your plan, you can better prepare for costs that may fall outside your coverage.
• Know what your coverage includes, and what it doesn’t. Understanding your coverage details and what costs you may be responsible for can help you manage your budget and feel confident about what to expect when a covered item breaks.

Ready to protect your home? Learn more about First American home warranty plans and get a free quote.

Keep Your Household Running Smoothly

When you consider the cost of replacing even one major appliance, the value of a household appliance warranty becomes clear. In addition to appliances, home warranty plans can cover essential systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. These can be especially costly to repair and replace, making a home warranty a smart way to manage your household budget.

For more than 40 years, First American Home Warranty has been helping homeowners manage expenses when covered appliances and systems break down unexpectedly. With comprehensive coverage and exclusive member benefits, our home warranties offer reassuring peace of mind and help simplify homeownership.

FAQs About Home Appliance Warranties

What is a home appliance warranty?

An appliance warranty can cover major appliances like your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, oven, range, cooktop, and many others. Home warranties can also cover essential home systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Some home warranty companies, like First American Home Warranty, also offer coverage upgrades and options for even more layers of protection.

Is a household appliance warranty worth it?

When covered household items break due to normal wear and tear, a home warranty can help cover repair costs. Many appliances and systems can be expensive to fix, and even more costly to replace. At First American Home Warranty, if we can’t fix your broken covered item, we’ll replace it.*

How do I get a covered appliance fixed?

With a First American home appliance warranty, you simply submit a service request online or by phone, and we’ll assign a prescreened independent service provider from our network to diagnose the issue. Once coverage is confirmed, the technician will either repair or replace the broken item.

How much does a home appliance warranty cost?

The cost varies depending on the home warranty company and the plan you choose. In some cases, a single covered repair could offset your annual home warranty plan cost, making it a smart financial investment.

*Please review the sample contract for specific coverage, terms, and limitations.

**Repair or replacement of covered items will only be completed when parts are available.