When you purchase an appliance, you expect it to last a long time. Based on a survey from Consumer Reports, most consumers expect their major appliances to last 10 years. Even manufacturers agree that their appliances should last 10, 15, even 20 years; however, they don't promise those years will be problem-free.
If your appliance comes with a manufacturer's warranty (and it should), that warranty is limited in length and coverage, with most only lasting for one to two years. And with complex parts, advanced smart technology and heavy usage, most consumers experience issues within the first 5 years.
This is why extended appliance warranties are so popular. There are a variety of home appliances that you can get an appliance protection plan for, from large home appliances like refrigerators and washer and dryers to smaller appliances like coffee makers and toaster ovens. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you can get coverage for all these appliances and more under the same product protection plan. That means protection for breaks, cracks, wear, and more for just $9.99 a month.
What does an appliance warranty cover?
The coverage of an extended appliance warranty depends on the type of warranty and the terms of that contract. Check out this guide for detailed information on what a warranty covers in specific product categories.
An appliance manufacturer warranty comes free with a new appliance purchase. The length varies depending on the product type and company. If something goes wrong within that period of time that is due to a fault in manufacturing, the company will repair or replace it.
An extended appliance warranty, or appliance protection plan, is an option that offers more coverage for an additional cost. It can extend the length of a manufacturer’s warranty, or cover additional things like breaks and accidental damage within the extended warranty period. You can purchase it at the time of the product purchase or add an extended warranty after your purchase.
Home appliance insurance may also be included in a home warranty, which can cover multiple home appliances and systems in your home. If you purchased a home warranty when you bought your house, check your contract terms to see if it includes home appliance coverage.
How long does an appliance warranty last?
A manufacturer’s warranty for appliances can vary, ranging from one month to ten years (even 20 years if you purchase high-end appliances from a manufacturer like Miele). The length depends on the product type, manufacturer, and specific terms of the warranty. For example, LG offers a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on most of their refrigerators, but they have a 10-year LG warranty on specific parts, like the compressor within the refrigerator. No matter the product type, it’s safe to assume that if your product breaks down within 30 days of your purchase, it should fall under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Extended appliance warranty coverage lasts for the amount of time you choose when you purchase the appliance protection plan. Some companies may only offer one option for an extended warranty length, while others give you several plan lengths to choose from. Longer-term warranties generally offer better value, but a shorter warranty will come at a lower cost and can be a good fit if you are not planning to use the product for a long time.
How do you know if your appliance is still under warranty?
Because there is such a large range in warranty lengths and coverage, you need to check the details of your manufacturer warranty agreement to know if your appliance issue is covered under the warranty terms.
For most warranties for appliances, there are several places you can find the information you need:
- Check the outside of the appliance for any information, including a model number. If you have a home system appliance like a water heater, it’s likely there is a sticker with the product details, installation date, and warranty information directly on it.
- Look for product documentation, including the receipt and owner’s manual. The appliance owner’s manual will likely have the manufacturer warranty information. The purchase receipt may have information about your extended warranty including when it started, who the provider is, and how to file a claim. If you purchased it online, look for an order confirmation email to see if there is warranty information.
- Go on the manufacturer’s website and see if you can find details about your appliance warranty. If you are within the length of your manufacturer’s warranty, get in touch with customer service so they can help answer any questions you have related to your home appliance coverage.
- If you purchased it at a store location, contact the store with your product details and date of purchase. They can direct you to the manufacturer or warranty provider to fulfill your warranty claim.
If you have a Mulberry Unlimited subscription, it's simple. A dashboard with your warranty details was created at your time of purchase, which you can always access through your Mulberry confirmation email or through the Mulberry customer dashboard. You can log in at any time to see your appliance coverage details, warranty plan length and to get answers to your questions specific to your policy.
Which appliances need extended warranties?
The top considerations people use when determining if they need an extended appliance warranty are the cost of the product itself, potential cost of repairs or replacement, risk of wear and tear, and amount of time they plan to use the product for. Our customers often end up choosing the same types of products to get an extended warranty on, and 58% of Mulberry customers said they would get a warranty on appliances.
Some of the most common appliances to get an extended warranty on include large home appliances, including:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Washer and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Microwaves
- Ovens and stoves
- Heaters and air conditioners
And small home appliances:
- Coffee makers
- Stand mixers
- Toaster ovens
- Instant pots
- Air fryers
- Blenders
Who has the best extended appliance coverage?
There are several ways to get appliance warranties. If you buy directly from the manufacturer, they may have their own extended warranty option available. It pays to do your research though, as you may be able to find better appliance coverage at a lower cost if you don't purchase it directly from the manufacturer.
Direct from the manufacturer
You can buy many appliances directly from the manufacturer websites. Some manufacturers like LG and GE have warranty options available through their site. Kitchen appliance maker Breville offers extended warranties on many of their appliances when you buy directly from them online.
Store warranty
If you buy from a store like Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, or Amazon, they may offer a third-party warranty from another company that you can add at the time of purchase.
Third-party warranty
You can also choose to get your warranty directly from a warranty provider, both during your purchase or even post-purchase depending on the provider you choose. With the Mulberry browser extension, you can compare our warranty costs to those on the site as you're shopping online.
The appliance warranty options will appear immediately as you shop, making it very easy to compare the protection plan costs and term lengths. You can add a Mulberry appliance warranty to your cart while you shop, or you can add an appliance protection plan after you make your purchase.
Get the right coverage for your appliances
If you’re looking for an appliance warranty that will cover your home appliances for years to come, do your research. Finding the right extended appliance warranty can help your product last longer and save you from expensive repairs or replacements later on.
When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you can get coverage for all your appliances under the same product protection plan. For just $9.99 a month, you'll get unlimited claims and coverage without any deductibles or hidden fees. It's the only way to truly protect your appliances from anything that might happen.
