You just bought a shiny new fridge. The cashier smiles and asks, “Would you like to add the extended warranty?” You freeze—do you need it, or is it just an expensive add-on you’ll never use?
Extended warranties can give peace of mind, but they’re not always the best value.
In this guide, we’ll break down what extended warranties are, their pros and cons, and how to decide when you should buy extended warranty on appliances.
What Is an Extended Appliance Warranty?
An extended appliance warranty is an optional protection plan that you can buy—either at the time of purchase or sometimes within a set period afterward—to cover repair or replacement costs once your appliance’s standard manufacturer warranty runs out.
How It Works
When you buy a new appliance, the manufacturer typically includes a limited warranty, usually lasting 1 year, that covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Once that expires, you’re responsible for all repair costs—unless you’ve purchased extended coverage.
An extended warranty steps in to extend that protection period, often for 1–5 extra years beyond the original coverage. If your appliance breaks down during that time from a covered fault, the warranty provider pays for the repair or, in some cases, replaces the appliance entirely.
Who Offers It
Extended warranties are available from:
- Retailers – Big-box stores like Best Buy, Home Depot, or Lowe’s often offer them at checkout.
- Manufacturers – Appliance brands like Samsung, LG, or Whirlpool may sell their own extended protection plans.
- Third-party providers – Independent companies specialize in warranty coverage for multiple brands and appliances.
What’s Typically Covered
Coverage varies, but most extended warranties protect against:
- Mechanical failures – Broken motors, fan assemblies, compressors, or heating elements.
- Electrical issues – Faulty wiring, blown fuses, or damaged control boards.
- Parts & labor costs – For repairs caused by covered breakdowns.
- Power surge damage – Some plans include protection against voltage spikes.
What’s Usually Excluded
It’s important to read the fine print. Most plans do not cover:
- Accidental damage – Dropping, denting, or scratching the appliance.
- Wear-and-tear – Gradual decline from normal use.
- Cosmetic issues – Discoloration, chipped paint, or minor dents.
- Misuse or neglect – Not following the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Cost of Extended Warranties
Extended warranties usually cost 10–20% of the appliance’s price. For example, a $1,200 fridge might have a 3-year extended warranty priced at $150–$250.
Extended warranties can be a valuable safety net if you own high-cost or high-tech appliances, but their worth depends on the appliance type, repair history, and your personal risk tolerance.
Pros of Buying an Extended Warranty
- Peace of mind: Knowing you’re covered for costly repairs can be reassuring, especially for pricey appliances.
- Protection after the standard warranty ends: Many manufacturer warranties only last 1 year.
- Convenience: One phone call to the warranty provider can get your repair scheduled.
- Extra coverage perks: Some plans cover accidental damage or power surges.
- Transferability: A transferable warranty can be a selling point if you sell your home or the appliance.
Cons of Buying an Extended Warranty
- You might never use it: Many appliances work fine for years without major repairs.
- High upfront cost: Warranties can cost 10–20% of the appliance’s price.
- Limited coverage: Fine print exclusions may mean certain repairs aren’t covered.
- Slow claims process: Waiting for approvals or parts can delay repairs.
- Overlap with other coverage: Credit cards, home warranties, or existing manufacturer warranties may already protect you.
When an Extended Warranty Might Be Worth It
You may want to consider an extended warranty if:
- You own high-end appliances (e.g., smart refrigerators, built-in ovens) with expensive repair costs.
- Your chosen brand has mixed reliability ratings.
- You live far from service centers, making repairs more complicated.
- You value long-term convenience and minimal hassle.
- The warranty is affordable and includes extras like free maintenance checks.
When You Can Skip the Extended Warranty
It’s safe to pass if:
- You own budget models where repairs are relatively inexpensive.
- You already have a home warranty or credit card coverage.
- The manufacturer offers a generous warranty (2+ years).
- You plan to move or upgrade the appliance soon.
- You’re comfortable using local repair services like Bringer Appliance Repair when issues arise.
Alternatives to Extended Warranties
1. Home Appliance Insurance or Home Warranty Plans
A home appliance insurance plan (sometimes part of a home warranty) covers repairs or replacements for multiple appliances under one policy.
Instead of buying separate extended warranties for each appliance, you pay a single yearly or monthly fee.
2. Credit Cards with Extended Warranty Benefits
Some credit cards automatically extend the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases, often by 1–2 extra years, at no additional cost.
3. Routine Maintenance to Prevent Costly Breakdowns
Sometimes the best warranty is simply taking good care of your appliances. Simple, regular maintenance can help you avoid repairs entirely.
4. Personal “Repair Fund”
Instead of paying a lump sum for a warranty, set aside a small monthly amount for future repairs.
5. Trusted Local Repair Services
Having a reliable local technician—like Bringer Appliance Repair—means you don’t have to wait on a warranty provider’s slow approval process or use their assigned (and sometimes overbooked) contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Warranty or Not, Trust the Pros to Help!
Extended warranties can be a smart investment for expensive, high-tech appliances, but may not be worth it for budget-friendly models or if you already have overlapping coverage.
The key is making an informed choice—not an impulse buy at checkout.
Whether you have a warranty or not, Bringer Appliance Repair is here for fast, honest, and reliable service to keep your appliances running smoothly.
If your appliance is acting up, call Bringer Appliance Repair today.
