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6 minute read Published on Jan 22, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Wondering if your home insurance covers your appliances? Here's your quick answer:
Yes, standard home insurance policies cover appliance damage insured perils like theft, vandalism, fire damage, and more.
Plug-in appliances, such as toasters, blenders, or your new Ninja Creami, are typically covered under the contents portion of your homeowners insurance plan, whereas built-in appliances like your water heater or furnace are protected under your dwelling coverage.
Equipment breakdown coverage is an optional add-on that can protect your appliances from electrical and mechanical failures, including power surges.
For failing or aging appliances, warranty coverage may be a better choice for protection.
Ultimately, knowing what is and isn't covered can help you avoid costly expenses later down the line. Let's dive into this topic more thoroughly below.
Needless to say, your appliances play a big role in your everyday life, so when one breaks down, it can cause chaos in your household. Whether your fridge suddenly gives out or your washing machine begins to leak water all over your laundry room, replacing appliances isn't cheap. For example, replacing either one of these major appliances in Canada will cost you approximately between $1,000 and $3,500 or more, depending on what brand and features you choose. With modern appliances becoming more complex with smart features, they're also becoming more prone to breakdowns. HSB Canada reports that there has been a surge in internal equipment failures, especially in high-sensor appliances.
As of 2024, the global home appliance insurance market is worth $11.5 billion and is expected to increase at an 8.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) by 2032 as more homeowners seek to insure their home appliances from surprise breakdowns. That's why it's important to know which appliances are covered, under what circumstances coverage applies, and what additional coverage exists to fill in any gaps.
Standard home insurance offers substantial protection for your appliances, but it usually depends on the type of appliance and how it's listed in your policy documents. Let's take a closer look:
Most plug-in appliances and other items will fall under your personal property coverage. This includes:
Toasters
Microwaves
Coffee makers
Washing machines and dryers
Refrigerators
Freezers
Air purifiers
Portable air conditioning systems
Smaller kitchen devices
Note that for these appliances to be covered by personal property coverage, they would need to be damaged by an insured peril listed in your policy, such as theft or vandalism. If they break as a result of age or internal issues, they will not be covered.
Your home's built-in appliances are considered part of your home's physical structure and are therefore protected under the dwelling portion of your homeowners insurance.
Heating systems
Hot water heaters
Central air conditioning systems
Built-in ovens and cooktops
Built-in dishwashers
Central vacuum systems
These appliances are protected from perils like fire, falling objects, or accidental pipe bursts.
If you have appliances stored in detached garages or a shed, such as an additional deep freeze or fridge, they'll likely be covered under the other structures portion of your existing policy if they are damaged by a covered loss.
Type of appliance
Coverage type
Notes
Plug-in toaster
Contents coverage
Must be damaged by insured peril.
Built-in furnace
Dwelling coverage
Considered part of the home.
Garage deep freezer
Other structures
Coverage depends on structure type or policy type.
As we briefly mentioned, although your homeowners insurance coverage protects your appliances from certain events, it won't cover breakdowns or internal failures. This is where equipment breakdown coverage comes in handy. This optional policy covers the following:
Power outages and surges
Mechanical failures
electrical shortages
Motor burnout
Circuit board failures
For example, if your dishwasher shuts off in the middle of its cycle and displays an error code, refusing to restart, your standard home insurance won't cover you. But with equipment breakdown coverage, you'll likely be able to file a claim with your insurance provider for compensation. The best part? This add-on policy is affordable. Most insurance companies offer this add-on for an additional $29 per year, while on the higher end, you can anticipate an extra $50 a year.
Not all appliance issues qualify for compensation by your insurance provider under standard homeowners insurance or even breakdown coverage. Here are some situations that are commonly excluded:
Standard wear and tear: Normal wear and aging of your home appliances is not covered by basic home insurance.
Neglect: Neglecting standard maintenance or ignoring problems will void your homeowners insurance policy.
Vacant property: Appliances in homes that remain vacant for a certain amount of time may not be covered under homeowners insurance.
Renovation-related damage: Accidentally breaking your appliance during a DIY renovation will not be covered. It's recommended that you contact your insurance company and purchase reno insurance beforehand.
Homeowners insurance coverage won't cover appliances if they are damaged by:
Sewer backup
Water damage caused by heavy rainfall and overland flooding
To ensure your homeowners insurance covers appliances in your home, review your current policy and speak with an insurance broker about adding additional coverage to your plan for peace of mind.
So, what is the difference between a home warranty and home insurance when it comes to your appliances? A home insurance policy is specifically designed to protect your appliances from sudden, unexpected damage, like a kitchen fire or a falling tree. But if your appliance breaks down due to age, wear, or internal failures, your claim may be denied by your insurance company.
This is where a home warranty comes in. Warranties offer repair or replacement coverage for appliances that fail due to normal use or mechanical problems. While this may sound ideal, you should know that some warranties have service fees, deductibles, and contractor restrictions. Additionally, some warranties only cover certain brands and require you to register your plan within 30 days of your appliance purchase. Regardless, they can be a smart investment, especially if you have a home with older appliances. Warranties can range in cost, with some as affordable as $300 annually and others as high as $1,200.
To ensure your home and appliances are protected, cover your bases with this checklist below:
Ensure that you hire professional technicians, plumbers, and electricians to perform annual maintenance on the appliances throughout your home.
Read your current homeowners insurance documents. Take note of what appliances are listed under your personal property coverage and what is listed under your dwelling policy. Pay attention to insured perils and look for any gaps in protection.
Ask a BrokerLink advisor whether equipment breakdown insurance is available, along with other add-on policies like sewer backup insurance, identity theft coverage, overland flooding insurance, and more.
If your appliances are over 5 years old or you live in an older home, consider opting for a home warranty plan on top of your standard homeowners insurance.
If an appliance in your home breaks, document the damage and contact your insurance company or broker as soon as possible to start the claims process.
Common questions to consider:
Not usually, unless the appliances were damaged by a named peril in your policy. You won't be covered for repairs if the appliance is damaged by wear, age, or mechanical failures.
Yes, you can! Speak to a BrokerLink advisor for assistance!
Breakdown insurance covers sudden mechanical/electrical failure, whereas home warranties cover wear-and-tear and aging.
Yes. Age-related failures are not covered by standard homeowners insurance plans.
Your landlord's insurance policy will cover these appliances, not your tenant insurance policy.
Only if you’ve added Equipment Breakdown Coverage to your standard plan.
Your home's appliances play a major role in your daily routine. While standard homeowners insurance covers appliances to a certain extent, there are limitations. To ensure you're comprehensively covered, consider mechanical breakdown insurance and a home warranty for added peace of mind.
Need help navigating your options? Contact a BrokerLink advisor by calling us over the phone or by email! We’re more than happy to help answer any questions you may have, like whether you can transfer your current policy to a new property, how to protect your valuable items, and more.
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