Does Home Warranty Cover Smart Appliances in 2025?
Homeowners are investing more in smart appliances that bring automation, convenience, and energy savings to everyday life. From refrigerators that track groceries to washing machines controlled by mobile apps, these connected devices have become standard in modern homes. Yet when a smart appliance breaks, the repair process is rarely simple. The question many homeowners now face is whether home warranties include coverage for these advanced systems and what that coverage actually looks like.
This guide explains how home warranties handle smart appliances, what limitations to expect, and how to choose a plan that truly supports connected living.
How Smart Appliance Coverage Works in Modern Home Warranty Plans
Most home warranty companies now list “smart appliances” as eligible for coverage, but only under certain conditions. The coverage typically applies to the mechanical and electrical parts that make the appliance function. For example:
- Smart refrigerators are covered for compressors, fans, and cooling systems, but not for touchscreen displays or internal cameras.
- Smart ovens are covered for heating elements and thermostats, but not for recipe-syncing features or voice control functions.
- Smart washing machines are covered for motors, belts, and water valves, but not for connectivity to apps or cloud services.
In short, the warranty protects the appliance’s ability to perform its core task, not its software-driven convenience features. This distinction can surprise homeowners who expect full coverage.
Why Coverage Varies Across Providers
Each warranty provider sets its own limits, and some are adapting faster than others to the rise of connected homes. A few companies now advertise “smart home coverage” as an add-on, which extends protection to certain digital components like control panels or touchscreens. Others include optional plans that cover software resets or diagnostic visits for connected devices.
Industry experts on platforms such as Reddit’s r/HomeImprovement and Quora have shared mixed reviews about these add-ons. Some homeowners report positive experiences with companies that offer dedicated smart coverage, while others say claim approvals remain inconsistent. The key takeaway is that wording matters. Reading the fine print before enrolling avoids unpleasant surprises.
The Role of Smart Home Ecosystems in Warranty Claims
Many homeowners now build entire ecosystems of connected devices using platforms like Google Home, Alexa, or Samsung SmartThings. While convenient, these ecosystems create dependencies across multiple brands. A single failure in one device can disrupt several others.
If a smart oven stops responding due to a hub malfunction, a home warranty may only cover the oven itself, not the hub or network. This means homeowners might need multiple protection plans: one for appliances, one for smart home hubs, and possibly extended manufacturer coverage for devices that rely on cloud services.
Some companies, such as Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield, have started testing broader “connected coverage” options that include limited protection for control interfaces or digital diagnostics. These programs are still evolving, but they represent a shift toward recognizing smart technology as part of the household infrastructure.
Cost Considerations for Homeowners
Smart appliances generally cost more to repair than traditional ones, partly due to specialized components and software. A replacement control board for a smart refrigerator can cost several hundred dollars, while a simple mechanical part might cost far less. Home warranties help manage these costs by setting fixed service fees.
When comparing plans, look for these financial details:
- Service call fees: usually charged per claim, covering technician visits.
- Coverage limits: maximum payout per appliance or per year.
- Optional upgrades: some plans offer electronic component coverage at an added cost.
Homeowners should calculate whether the premium plus service fees are lower than potential repair or replacement costs. For heavily connected homes, expanded coverage may be worth the higher price.
Emerging Trends in Warranty Coverage for Connected Homes
The home warranty industry is adapting to the rise of smart homes. Several trends are shaping new coverage models:
- Hybrid Coverage Plans: Combining mechanical, electrical, and limited digital protection in one package.
- Software Reset Services: Some providers now offer remote troubleshooting or software resets for connected appliances.
- Subscription-Based Maintenance: Instead of traditional annual contracts, some companies are testing monthly service models that include regular checkups for connected systems.
- Integration with Smart Home Platforms: Future warranty systems could automatically detect performance issues through connected devices, triggering service requests without manual claims.
