Compare Home Warranty Options in Ohio
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Appliances Typically Covered by a Home Warranty
Home warranties are designed to protect your budget when major appliances break down due to normal wear and tear. Most standard and combination plans cover the following built-in appliances:
| Appliance | Typically Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | ✅ Yes | Icemaker often included; second fridge may need an add-on |
| Dishwasher | ✅ Yes | Standard on most plans |
| Oven / Range / Cooktop | ✅ Yes | Core kitchen coverage across all major providers |
| Built-in Microwave | ✅ Yes | Must be built-in; countertop units excluded |
| Clothes Washer | ✅ Yes | Included in appliance or combination plans |
| Clothes Dryer | ✅ Yes | Included alongside washer coverage |
| Garbage Disposal | ✅ Yes | Covered by most providers |
| Built-in Exhaust Fan | ✅ Yes | Built-in kitchen exhaust fans commonly included |
The key qualifier across all these items: coverage applies to mechanical breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. If your refrigerator simply stops cooling due to a failed compressor, that's covered. If it was damaged in a flood or misused, that's not.
For a broader look at everything a home warranty protects, see our complete home warranty coverage guide.
What Appliances Are Excluded from Home Warranty Coverage
Understanding what's not covered is just as important as knowing what is. Home warranties are not catch-all protection policies. Here are the most common appliance-related exclusions:
Portable and Countertop Appliances
Freestanding or countertop items are almost universally excluded. This includes:
- Countertop microwaves
- Toasters, coffee makers, and blenders
- Portable air conditioners and fans
- Standalone freezers (unless specifically added)
Cosmetic Damage
Scratches, dents, rust, broken handles, and aesthetic imperfections are never covered. Home warranties protect functionality, not appearance.
Normal Wear Components
Individual parts that wear out through routine use are typically excluded, even on an otherwise covered appliance. Common examples:
- Oven racks and knobs
- Dishwasher racks and door gaskets
- Washer drum paddles and agitators
- Refrigerator shelving and drawers
Other Common Exclusions
Be sure to review our dedicated guide on home warranty exclusions to avoid surprise denied claims.
Appliance-Only Plans vs. Combination Plans
When shopping for home warranty coverage, you'll encounter three main plan structures. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right level of protection for your needs and budget.
Appliance-only plans are ideal for newer homes where systems like HVAC and plumbing are unlikely to fail soon, but you want financial protection for kitchen and laundry appliances. Combination plans offer broader value for older homes where multiple systems and appliances are at risk of breaking down.
See a full breakdown in our home warranty plans comparison guide.
Coverage Limits Per Appliance
Coverage caps vary significantly between providers. Here's how major companies compare on per-appliance payouts:
| Provider | Typical Per-Appliance Limit |
|---|---|
| First American Home Warranty | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| American Home Shield (ShieldPlatinum) | Up to $6,000 total |
| Choice Home Warranty | Up to $3,000 per appliance |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | $500 – $2,000 (item-specific) |
| Industry Range | $1,000 – $5,000 per item |
Per-item caps may be $1,000 to $5,000, and annual aggregate limits often cap total appliance payouts around $10,000. You'll also pay a service fee of $100–$125 per claim, on top of your monthly premium.
How Warranties Handle Repairs vs. Replacements
When you file a claim, the warranty company dispatches a technician to diagnose the issue. From there, the company decides whether to repair or replace the appliance using a process that includes:
- Cost comparison – If the repair cost approaches the appliance's current value, replacement may be authorized.
- The 50% Rule – If repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement cost and the unit is more than halfway through its expected lifespan, most providers lean toward replacement.
- Parts availability – Older or discontinued models may be harder to repair if parts are no longer manufactured.
Important to note: when a replacement is issued, the warranty company typically reimburses at the functional equivalent value, not necessarily the cost of a brand-new matching model. This means you may receive a cash payout or a comparable unit that doesn't match your existing appliances in brand or finish.
Learn more about how home warranty companies decide to repair or replace.
Brand and Model Limitations
Most home warranties don't explicitly exclude specific brands, but there are real limitations to know:
- High-end or commercial-grade appliances (e.g., Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking) may not be fully covered, or the reimbursement cap may fall well short of actual repair costs for luxury models.
- Parts availability for older or niche models can result in a cash-out offer rather than a same-brand replacement.
- Second or specialty appliances (e.g., a second refrigerator or wine cooler) typically require an optional add-on to be covered.
Age Restrictions and Old Appliances
Good news for owners of aging homes: most major home warranty providers do not have hard age cutoffs for appliance coverage. Providers like American Home Shield explicitly state no appliance is too old. The catch is that the appliance must be in good working condition at the start of your coverage period — pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Some policies include age-related component restrictions in the fine print, so it pays to review contract details carefully. For a deeper look, check out our home warranty guide for older homes.
Keeping Your Appliance Coverage Valid: Maintenance Requirements
Your home warranty coverage can be voided or your claim denied if an appliance breakdown is attributed to neglect or lack of proper maintenance. Here's what you need to do to stay protected:
Key Maintenance Practices by Appliance
| Appliance | Recommended Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Clean condenser coils every 6–12 months; check door seals |
| Dishwasher | Clean filters monthly; inspect spray arms for clogs |
| Washer | Run cleaning cycles; check hoses for wear |
| Dryer | Clean lint trap after every load; vent duct annually |
| Oven / Range | Keep burners and ignitors clean; inspect gaskets |
| Garbage Disposal | Run cold water during use; avoid hard or fibrous foods |
While some providers — like American Home Shield — don't require maintenance records to process a claim, it is always in your best interest to document your upkeep. If a technician determines that grease buildup, clogged venting, or improper use caused the failure, your claim can be denied regardless of provider policy.
For more detail on staying compliant, read our guide on home warranty maintenance requirements.
To understand the full claims process from start to finish, see how a home warranty works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home warranty cover all kitchen appliances?
Home warranties typically cover major built-in kitchen appliances including the refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, range, cooktop, built-in microwave, and garbage disposal. However, portable and countertop appliances like freestanding microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers are not covered. Coverage may vary by plan tier — appliance-only plans may include all of these, while basic systems-only plans may not cover appliances at all.
Do home warranties cover old appliances?
Yes — most major home warranty providers cover appliances regardless of age, as long as the appliance is in good working condition when coverage begins. Providers like American Home Shield and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty have no hard age cutoffs. However, some policies include component-level age restrictions buried in the fine print, and pre-existing conditions are always excluded, so reviewing your specific contract is essential.
How much will a home warranty pay to replace an appliance?
Per-appliance coverage limits typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your provider and plan. First American Home Warranty pays up to $3,500 or $7,000 per appliance depending on the plan tier, while 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty sets item-specific caps. If the replacement cost exceeds your limit, you are responsible for the difference. Reimbursement is generally for a functional equivalent, not necessarily the same brand or model.
Are washers and dryers covered by home warranties?
Yes — clothes washers and dryers are covered under most appliance and combination home warranty plans. They may be included as standard or as an add-on depending on the provider. Coverage applies to mechanical and electrical failures due to normal wear and tear, but excludes cosmetic damage, drum paddles, and issues caused by overloading or improper use.
What voids appliance coverage on a home warranty?
Coverage can be voided or a claim denied if the breakdown is caused by lack of maintenance, improper installation, misuse, pest damage, or a pre-existing condition. Cosmetic damage and normal wear components like racks, knobs, and gaskets are also excluded. Most providers expect appliances to be maintained according to manufacturer guidelines — even if they don't require maintenance records to file a claim.