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An appliance extended warranty is usually an optional service contract for one named appliance. A home warranty is usually an optional service contract that may cover listed appliances, home systems, or both. Neither name guarantees broad coverage: the written contract determines what is covered, what it costs, and how claims are handled. Both are different from the product warranty that may come with a new appliance.
How the three kinds of coverage differ
| Coverage | What it generally means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Included product warranty | A written promise from the manufacturer or seller covering specified problems for a stated period. | Keep the warranty and receipt; check the dates, covered parts or failures, and required steps to request service. FTC guidance on warranties. |
| Appliance extended warranty | Usually a separately purchased service contract tied to a specific appliance. It may cover certain repairs or maintenance for a stated period. | Check whether it overlaps the included warranty and whether the contract covers the part or failure you are concerned about. The label does not mean every breakdown is covered. FTC guidance on extended warranties and service contracts. |
| Home warranty | A separately purchased service contract, commonly for an existing home, that may cover listed appliances, systems such as air conditioning, or both. | Check the contract’s item list, exclusions, reimbursement limits, service fees, and claims process. The name does not guarantee comprehensive home coverage. FTC guidance on home warranties. |
| Builder warranty | A separate form of protection associated with new construction or remodeling, typically focused on permanent home components such as plumbing or electrical work. | Do not assume it covers household appliances; the FTC says builder warranties usually do not. FTC guidance on new-home warranties. |
The Federal Trade Commission puts the terminology plainly: “A service contract is sometimes called a home warranty or an extended warranty, but service contracts are not warranties.” In other words, an appliance plan or home plan sold separately is not the same thing as the warranty included with a product.
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What should you compare before buying?
Compare the actual contract against the protection you already have. These are useful checks, not terms that every plan necessarily uses.
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- Existing coverage and start date: Read the appliance’s written warranty and receipt. Find out when the paid contract begins and whether it overlaps the included coverage. A contract that duplicates existing protection may add little. FTC guidance on service contracts and FTC shopping guidance.
- Covered items, parts, and failures: For an appliance plan, confirm the exact appliance and the repairs or failures listed. For a home plan, identify which appliances and systems are included. Do not infer coverage for an item or repair that the contract does not specify.
- Exclusions and conditions: Look for excluded parts or causes of damage, maintenance requirements, and conditions that could affect a claim. Accidental damage is not automatically included; check the contract.
- Total out-of-pocket cost: Add the contract price to any deductible or service-call fee, shipping or other charges, and cancellation or transfer fees. Compare that total with the contract’s limits and likely usefulness. Setting money aside for future repairs is another option the FTC recommends considering. FTC guidance on service contracts.
- Limits and remedies: Find any reimbursement cap and see whether the provider can choose to repair, replace, reimburse, or use another remedy. A covered item may still have limits on what the provider will pay. FTC guidance on home-warranty limits and FTC guidance on warranties.
- Claims and provider: Check how to request service, whether prior approval is needed, who selects or performs repairs, and how reimbursement works. Look into the responsible company and relevant consumer-protection complaint information. The claims process matters because added coverage can be difficult to use. FTC guidance on service contracts.
- Cancellation and records: Read the cancellation terms before paying. Keep copies of the service contract, included product warranty, and purchase receipt. FTC guidance on home warranties and FTC guidance on warranties.
Which type makes more sense for your situation?
Consider an appliance-specific contract when
- You want to evaluate optional coverage for one particular appliance.
- The written terms add protection beyond the appliance’s included warranty, rather than simply duplicating it.
- The covered repairs, limits, fees, and claim procedure fit your needs.
Consider a home service contract when
- You want to evaluate one contract for specified appliances or home systems.
- The exact items you care about are listed, and the exclusions, limits, fees, and service process are acceptable.
- You understand that the word “home” does not mean every appliance, system, or repair is covered.
These are comparison points, not a universal recommendation. The available FTC guidance does not establish a break-even formula or show that either kind of contract is right for every household. You can compare the contract with the cost and inconvenience of handling repairs yourself, including the alternative of saving money for future repairs.
#1 Best Overall
ASURION 3 Year Major Appliance Protection Plan ($1000 - $1249.99)
- No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
- Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Plan includes food loss reimbursement up to $250 per approved claim for refrigerators & freezers and laundry services reimbursement up to $25 per approved claim for washers & dryers that are out for service for more than seven (7) consecutive days.
- Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
- Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
U.S. scope and legal questions
This is general U.S. consumer guidance, not a state-by-state legal analysis. The legal classification and regulation of a particular plan can vary by jurisdiction. For a legal question about a specific agreement, read the contract and consult applicable state consumer-protection or insurance regulator guidance.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
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Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
ASURION 3 Year Major Appliance Protection Plan ($1500 - $1999.99)
- No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
- Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Plan includes food loss reimbursement up to $250 per approved claim for refrigerators & freezers and laundry services reimbursement up to $25 per approved claim for washers & dryers that are out for service for more than seven (7) consecutive days.
- Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
- Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
Rank #4
ASURION 4 Year Kitchen Protection Plan ($90 - $99.99)
- No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
- Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use covered for portable products and power surges covered from day one. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty.
- Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. We will send you an e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product. In some instances, we will replace or repair it.
- Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
Rank #3
ASURION 3 Year Major Appliance Protection Plan ($250 - $299.99)
- No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
- Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Plan includes food loss reimbursement up to $250 per approved claim for refrigerators & freezers and laundry services reimbursement up to $25 per approved claim for washers & dryers that are out for service for more than seven (7) consecutive days.
- Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
- Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
Rank #2
ASURION 3 Year Major Appliance Protection Plan ($200 - $249.99)
- No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
- Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Plan includes food loss reimbursement up to $250 per approved claim for refrigerators & freezers and laundry services reimbursement up to $25 per approved claim for washers & dryers that are out for service for more than seven (7) consecutive days.
- Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
- Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
