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How To Get A Home Warranty To Replace Refrigerator In 2023?
PUBLISHED: ARL 11, 2023 • 6 MINS READ
A refrigerator is vital in today’s homes as it keeps food at the right temperature and saves you money on food spoilage. However, sometimes crucial parts of your refrigerator malfunction, forcing you to replace them. This is exactly what you can get with a home warranty. The question then arises: how to get home warranty to replace refrigerator? Don’t Worry! We have got you covered. In this article, you can learn about how to get refrigerator parts replaced, the process, and more.
When Will Home Warranty Replace Your Refrigerator?
Home warranty companies offer repair and replacement only for the items covered under their plans. While a company like AHS will replace the entire refrigerator, others like Choice, Cinch, and Select replace only parts and components covered under the warranty plan.
When you are seeking a refrigerator replacement, the provider will only replace it if:
Your refrigerator is beyond repair, and
The cost of repair is significantly higher than the price of replacement.
Additionally, home warranty companies are only liable for installing the replaced item and/or parts with comparable capabilities and features.
What Is Covered Under Refrigerator Coverage?
Most home warranty companies cover refrigerators under their basic plans, but coverage varies, depending on the company. Typically you can expect replacement of parts and components such as, but not limited to the following:
Control boards
Compressor
Damper control
Thermostats
Wire harness
Condenser & evaporator fan motors
Pressure switches
Freezer
Relays
There may be other components covered under your home warranty plan. We advise you to read the fine print of your service contract to understand the refrigerator coverage provided.
What Is The Refrigerator Replacement Process?
You can start filing for claims once the waiting period is over. When your refrigerator stops working or breaks down, you can follow these steps to submit a service request.
You can request service by contacting the home warranty company’s customer service department. Alternatively, you can submit your claim via email or online at the company’s website.
Once your request is submitted, the company will process it and allocate you a licensed technician.
The service technician will arrive at your home at your convenience to identify the issue and notify the company. The provider will then evaluate if the refrigerator is covered and process your claim further.
Upon successful verification, the company will replace the faulty part, component, or entire appliance.
In most cases, the company covers all replacement costs, and you are liable to pay the service fee or deductible during the technician’s visit. Depending on the company, these costs typically range between $50 to $125.
Some top home warranty providers, like American Home Shield, have a cash payment policy. If the company cannot replace your refrigerator, it might provide a cash-out option. This total amount will be determined by deducting any service fees or deductibles from the appliance’s retail price.
Additionally, various companies, such as Choice Home Warranty, Liberty Home Guards, etc., offer repair guarantees for a limited period. If your replaced appliance breaks down under this period, a home warranty will cover the further fixing costs.
What To Expect From A Home Warranty During Replacement?
You must be wondering what kind of parts and components you will receive upon replacement! This section will break down some crucial information on appliance replacement. Take a look:
The replacement will be comparable to your old, malfunctioning unit in terms of operation, capacity, and efficiency.
A home warranty provider does not guarantee that the replacement will have the same size, color, or brand as the old one.
The company may not provide a replacement owing to many factors.
Look at the section below to find out when a company can refuse to replace your refrigerator.
Can A Home Warranty Deny The Replacement?
There are various grounds owing to which home warranty companies can deny your replacement. We have listed the most common reasons why companies decline claims. Take a look:
If your refrigerator has broken down due to:
Known or Unknown pre-existing conditions
Misuse by pets, pests, or animals
Lack of maintenance, removal of parts, or improper installation
Accident, fire, freezing, electric failure, or water damage
Lightning, storms, earthquake, soil movements, and Acts of God,
Manufacturer’s defect
You have already exhausted the annual coverage limits. Companies offer a certain amount as coverage or dollar limits up to which they protect your covered appliances. The limit varies by company; as per the industry standard, it could be $3k per appliance.
If you hire an independent contractor or technician to perform the replacement without informing the company, your claim will be denied. Some companies allow homeowners to choose technicians, but you must notify them first.
Note: The limitations vary depending on the company. We recommend reading the fine print carefully to better understand the company’s terms.
How Much Do I Have To Pay For A Home Warranty?
Home warranty companies will pay up to a certain amount for replacing a covered refrigerator. On the other hand, the service call fee and monthly or yearly premiums are your responsibility.
The average price of a warranty plan ranges from $29.99 to $79.99 per month or more, depending on the coverage selected. Many companies provide options for service call fees or deductibles ranging from $60 to $125.
Top 5 Home Warranty Companies For Refrigerators
This section lists the best five home warranty companies in the market and their offerings. Take a look:
American Home Shield has been serving quality home warranty plans to American homeowners for over 50 years. It offers three comprehensive coverage plans. Under refrigerator coverage, it provides a replacement for all parts and components except free-standing freezers, multi-media centers, and wine chillers.
Choice Home Warranty is another leading company with over 14 years of experience. It offers two plans to homeowners and a refrigerator under Total Plan. The refrigerator covers all components and parts, except audio/visual equipment and internet connection components.
Select Home Warranty offers three different home warranty plans to homeowners. It provides repair and replacement for all parts and components of the refrigerator, excluding a sealed system
ServicePlus Home Warranty has been in the market for almost a decade and offers services in 46 U.S. states. It provides repair and replacement for all parts of a kitchen refrigerator, except doors, racks, freon, etc.
Liberty Home Guard has three home warranty plans for homeowners and extends services to 48 American states. It covers all mechanical parts, including parts of freezers that are an integral part of the refrigerator and ice makers for repair and replacements.
Final Words
We know that refrigerator malfunction stinks, but a home warranty can help you deal with it and restore your peace of mind. Many top-rated home warranty companies are on the market, but make sure you read the fine print before making any commitments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q.
What Does A Home Warranty Plan Generally Cover?
A.
A home warranty covers repair and replacement costs of the home systems and appliances included within the plan. Home warranty plans generally cover heating, plumbing, electrical systems, and kitchen and bathroom appliances. Find out more on this in our detailed blog on home warranty coverage.
Q.
How Many Times Can I Claim A Home Warranty?
A.
You can file claims up to a limit that differs according to the company. For instance, American Home Shield offers appliance repair and replacement at up to $6k per item during the warranty period.
Q.
Can I Ask For A Replacement Instead Of Repairs?
A.
No, you may not ask for a replacement like that. A company will only make a replacement if your unit is irreparable.
Q.
How To Choose A Good Company?
A.
To select an ideal home warranty company, start by figuring out your coverage needs and shortlist companies that cover what you need. Compare their plans and pricing, read their fine print to understand the terms, and choose one that checks all your requirements.
Q.
How Does A One-Year Home Warranty Work?
A.
Once you purchase a home warranty plan, there is a waiting period after which you can start filing claims. If any of your covered items break down, you can submit the service request as per the given procedure. The company will provide you with repair or replacement up to a certain dollar amount throughout the year.
