Best Refrigerator Warranty (2024 Guide)
There’s no getting around it: refrigerators are expensive. High purchase prices make even the most basic refrigerator a major investment, so ensuring this appliance runs for as long as possible is probably top of mind. A refrigerator warranty offers protection by covering repair bills or replacement expenses if your fridge breaks down.
We reviewed 13 leading home warranty companies with refrigerator coverage to find the best options. Learn about our favorite providers and why we think home warranties offer the best refrigerator protection.
Key Takeaways
- The best refrigerator warranty companies are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, based on our extensive research of 13 home warranty providers.
- A home warranty with refrigerator coverage costs $672 annually on average, or $42-$70 per month, depending on your plan and coverage.
- Our home warranty survey revealed that 92.7% of policyholders were satisfied with their home warranty plan, while less than 1% were dissatisfied.
Did You Know?
- In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.
Summary of the Top Refrigerator Warranty Providers
Our team analyzed coverage plans from 13 home warranty companies and chose the following providers as our top picks for refrigerator warranties.
- Best Customer Support: Liberty Home Guard
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
- Best for High-End Items: First American Home Warranty
- Best Budget Plan: Select Home Warranty
Compare Top Home Warranty Companies With Refrigerator Coverage
We reviewed refrigerator warranty providers based on 31 factors, including coverage caps, monthly costs, and service fees. The table below compares our top picks based on some of these key rating factors.
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#1 out of 16 companies | #2 out of 16 companies | #3 out of 16 companies | #4 out of 16 companies | |
NR | B | B- | B | |
Monthly Cost |
$49–$59 | $49–$109 | $44–$47 | $47–$87 |
Service Fees |
$65–$125 | $100–$125 | $60–$75 | $75–$125 |
Customer Support Options |
Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal |
Response Time |
Up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours | 48-84 hours | 4–48 hours |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Summary |
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations. |
We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes. |
We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage. |
We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances. |
Promotions |
$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection | Black Friday Savings: 50% OFF Select Plans | 40% Off Home Warranty Plans | $100 Off with Code “PROTECT” |
Rating Categories |
Liberty Home Guard | American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty |
Coverage |
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Value |
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Trustworthiness |
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Plan Transparency |
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Customer Support |
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Flexibility |
*We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 1,885-square-foot, single-family home in Detroit, Michigan. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
How We Rated Refrigerator Home Warranty Companies
We started by researching refrigerator components and common failures and repairs to find the best refrigerator warranties. Our team reviewed manufacturers and extended warranties to determine typical coverage and exclusions. We also spoke with experts within the home warranty industry to learn more about coverage plans and common homeowner issues. Team members then reviewed sample contracts and checked for key refrigerator coverage details, including coverage caps, add-on appliance options, and workmanship guarantee length. Additionally, we assessed the customer experience by submitting claims to multiple home warranty providers and conducting anonymous evaluations as secret shoppers to gauge their responsiveness and service quality.
Our team developed a detailed methodology to score each company in four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. Then, we awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating.
Our Home Warranty Experts
We consulted the following two home warranty experts for more insight into home warranty coverage for this article.
- Daniel Cabrera: Cabrera is the founder of Sell My House Fast San Antonio, a homebuying real estate business.
- Kurt Walker: Walker is a real estate expert at Mill City Home Buyers, a homebuying business.
Understanding Refrigerator Warranty Coverage
Refrigerator warranties are coverage plans that protect your appliance when it experiences defects or malfunctions. Below, we’ll explain the different refrigerator warranties that are available.
What Is a Refrigerator Manufacturer’s Warranty?
Nearly all refrigerator brands offer a one-year or two-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor due to materials or workmanship defects. These warranties are free of charge and come with your refrigerator. If you experience a manufacturer defect or issue during that period, the manufacturer will send a licensed service technician to resolve it at no extra charge.
Some companies cover a refrigerator’s sealed system, which typically includes the compressor, evaporator, condenser, dryer, and connection tubing. Most companies cover this system’s parts and labor for five years.
The original warranty likely has various exclusions. Some items that usually aren’t covered include cosmetics, cleaning, drawers, bins, handles, bulbs, abuse, misuse, and accidental damage.
What Is a Refrigerator Extended Warranty?
Most refrigerator models allow you to purchase an appliance extended warranty (sometimes referred to as a protection plan or service contract). The fridge manufacturer, the store where you bought the fridge, or a third party may offer this warranty type. This extended warranty coverage typically kicks in after the one-year manufacturer’s warranty expires, though some warranties may overlap. Extended warranties cover new refrigerators and generally last for five years.
Review all terms and conditions before choosing an extended warranty plan to better understand what repairs are covered. For example, your warranty may only cover mechanical failure during normal use.
What Is Home Warranty Refrigerator Coverage?
A home warranty, also called home appliance insurance, covers repairs or replacements of major systems and appliances broken down from normal wear and tear. Most home warranty companies have at least one plan covering refrigerators. Using a home warranty for refrigeration coverage has become a popular option for many homeowners. In our recent survey of 1,000 homeowners with home warranty plans, 39.9% of respondents purchased coverage specifically for their refrigerators. We also learned that 41% selected add-on coverage for additional appliance coverage, including a second refrigerator or freezer.
A home warranty lets you file a claim with your provider if your fridge wears out and stops working. The company will send a trusted contractor to your home to diagnose the problem. If the issue falls under your warranty terms, the technician will repair it for a low service fee.
If a repair isn’t possible, the company will either replace the refrigerator or pay you cash. However, Walker says the cash payout might not cover the replacement cost, and you may still require additional out-of-pocket costs for a replacement refrigerator.
How Much Does a Refrigerator Warranty Cost?
Our research showed that a home warranty plan with refrigerator coverage will cost $42–$70 per month or $504–$840 annually. Total costs will depend on the type of plan you select, your location, and home size. Many companies offer appliance-only plans, which are typically lower than comprehensive plans. If you need coverage for secondary or specialized refrigerated appliances, you must pay extra for add-on coverage. Refrigerator add-ons range from $5–$10.
Top Refrigerator Warranty Providers
Below are reviews of our top picks for home warranty companies with the best refrigerator coverage.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Refrigerator Home Warranty?
You need to consider your coverage needs when buying a refrigerator home warranty. You should also compare multiple companies to find the best for your budget and coverage needs. Here’s a list of everything to keep in mind while warranty shopping.
Compare Multiple Companies
You could be missing out on better coverage if you commit to the first home warranty company you find. Comparing coverage from at least three companies gives you a broader perspective on what’s available and which plan would fit your situation. Compare pricing, inclusions, offered discounts, and service call fees.
Coverage Needs
Choose a plan that meets your home needs when shopping for coverage. If you only need refrigerator coverage, consider investing in an appliance-only plan. A comprehensive plan would be a better option if you also need system coverage.
Read Through Sample Contacts
Refrigerator warranty coverage varies between companies, so knowing exactly what you’re signing up for is crucial. Cabrera says you should know the exclusions and limits of each plan. You should also know the parts, items, and situations each company may exclude from its plan. Take the time to review each sample contract for inclusions and exclusions.
Verify Service Technician Availability
Check with each company for its servicing policies, including availability, workmanship coverage, and service technicians. If a provider doesn’t offer technicians in your area, ask about its policies for choosing your own technicians and any protection for their work.
FAQ About Refrigerator Warranties
Is a refrigerator warranty worth it?
Yes, getting a refrigerator warranty is worth it. Your refrigerator is an essential appliance that can be expensive to repair or replace when it breaks down. In addition, a broken refrigerator can cause a major disruption in your daily life.
How much does it cost to repair a refrigerator?
Refrigerator repairs cost between $200 and $500, with average costs around $400. However, these costs vary based on the repair’s severity. With a home warranty, you pay between $60 and $125 for the service call only, avoiding the remaining repair and replacement costs.
How long do refrigerator warranties last?
Refrigerator warranty length varies based on the warranty type. Manufacturer’s warranties typically only last for the first year of ownership. Extended warranties may last up to five years, but you usually can’t renew them at the end of that term. Most purchase home warranties for one year, but you also have the option to renew them.
How long should a refrigerator last?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refrigerators should last about 12 years. Proper maintenance and quick repairs when necessary are key to extending your refrigerator’s life span. A home warranty can help offset repair and replacement costs after your refrigerator’s manufacturer’s warranty expires.
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state below.
Find Home Warranty Pros in Your State
Related Resources
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- Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance
- Residential Service Contract
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- Best Refrigerator Warranty
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- Sears Appliance Warranty
- Best Home Warranty for High-End Appliances
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