The short answer
Usually not. Homeowners insurance pays for sudden, accidental damage from covered events. An appliance that fails because a motor burns out, a part wears down or it simply gets old is considered a maintenance cost.
Your policy may include or offer add-ons that change this, so review your policy or talk with your agent.
When an appliance may be covered
- A kitchen fire damages your range or refrigerator
- A storm drops a tree on your outdoor HVAC unit
- A burglar steals or damages appliances
- A covered water event floods a basement washer and dryer
The appliance vs. the damage it causes
This is the part many people miss. If a washing machine hose bursts or a water heater suddenly leaks, the water damage to floors, walls and belongings may be covered. The broken washer or water heater itself usually isn't.
A slow leak is different. Water that seeps for weeks behind a dishwasher is generally treated as a maintenance issue, so it pays to check under appliances now and then.
Equipment breakdown coverage vs. a home warranty
Equipment breakdown coverage is an add-on to some homeowners policies. It can help with sudden mechanical or electrical failure of systems and appliances, usually after a deductible.
A home warranty is a service contract, not insurance. You pay a yearly fee, then a service charge per visit, and the company repairs or replaces covered items. Many have limits and exclusions, so read the contract before you buy.
Before you pay out of pocket
- Check the manufacturer's warranty, especially on newer appliances
- See whether the credit card you used offers extended warranty protection
- Look for a home warranty from your home purchase that may still be active
- Get a repair quote before deciding to replace
Help them last longer
Simple upkeep can delay a breakdown. Change HVAC filters on schedule, clean dryer vents and refrigerator coils, flush your water heater as the maker suggests and replace rubber washer hoses with braided ones. Water leak sensors near appliances can alert you early.
Keep the manuals, receipts and service records for major appliances in one place. They help with warranty claims, and they show an adjuster the age and care of an item if a covered event ever damages it.
