Does a home warranty cover your microwave?

The microwave is one of the most convenient appliances in a modern kitchen — which is why we reach for it when we're rushed or juggling chores. Throw something in, shut the door, press the buttons, walk away.

All that daily use adds up. And when a microwave does break down, it isn't an appliance to take apart yourself, because a microwave oven can be dangerous to repair without training. That's why a warranty plan with microwave coverage makes sense.

What is included in home warranty coverage?

A microwave oven can be a covered appliance — like any other major appliance in your kitchen — but only built-in microwaves, not countertop models, are covered by a home warranty. And even built-in models are covered only when the breakdown is caused by regular wear and tear, which is damage that occurs over time despite the appliance being used properly.

A warranty plan helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing the appliance and connects you with a local service provider to do the work. Cinch Home Services coverage takes care of all components and parts of a built-in microwave oven when the damage results from wear and tear — up to $2,000 per appliance, for the cost of your service fee.

Every warranty company sets its own coverage limits, and these vary by where you live and which plan you choose. Compare plans and coverage to see what applies to your home, or look at the Appliances plan if kitchen appliances are your priority.

When a home warranty includes the microwave, what does it usually cover?

A home warranty takes care of the cost to repair or replace an appliance or system that falls outside your homeowners insurance coverage. It covers major appliances such as your kitchen appliances, garbage disposal and water heater, along with home systems like your electrical system or air conditioning, when the damage comes from regular use and daily wear and tear.

Unlike home insurance, which responds when accidents or disasters affect the structure of a house, a home warranty plan protects you from the cost of repairs on the appliances you use every day. An appliance warranty works differently again, covering a single item rather than a range of them.
Keep up with the cleaning and maintenance of your microwave and use it as intended. A warranty does not cover damage caused by improper use or neglected maintenance.

What is not included in home warranty coverage for microwaves?

Countertop and portable microwaves are not covered, because they are not built into the home.

Damage from an improper installation is not covered. Neither is secondary damage, meaning damage caused by a separate incident. If your microwave was damaged by fire from your stove, coverage comes from your homeowners insurance rather than your home warranty.

If you have an active manufacturer's warranty on the microwave, that warranty applies before your home warranty does. Checking how old the appliance is will tell you whether that manufacturer coverage is still in force.

What should you consider when comparing home warranty plans with microwave coverage?

The average cost of microwave repair without a home warranty is approximately $150, and replacing a built-in unit runs $500 to $2,500 installed, depending on how much cabinetry work it takes. At approximately $150 per year for full coverage, a warranty is worth the small investment, and it can be purchased annually or through a small monthly payment.

To decide which home warranty company is best for you, ask these questions:

• How much is the annual service contract for the warranty?

• How much are the service fees paid to a service provider when a claim is made?

• Does the company have a network of qualified service providers, and is their work guaranteed?

• Is a built-in microwave covered under the standard plan?

Home warranty benefits are worth the annual fee, because even the most well-cared-for microwave is designed to last about 10 years — and a plan protects you from the unpredictable cost of replacing it.

Find the best home warranty coverage

A home warranty operates as an affordable annual plan: when a covered appliance needs work, an approved service provider assesses it and determines whether a repair or a replacement is required, and you pay your service fee for the job. When comparing the warranty coverage available, check that the plan also covers the other appliances and systems you rely on, and compare it against your homeowners insurance so the two don't overlap. Before you sign a service contract, the warranty company should provide the exact components that apply under the plan.

Frequently asked questions

Does Cinch Home Services cover microwaves?

Yes. Built-in microwaves are covered when the required repairs result from normal wear and tear. Countertop and portable models aren't covered, because they're not built into the home. See plans and coverage for the full list of covered items.

What is wear and tear?

Damage incurred by everyday use of the appliance as intended. It builds up gradually, rather than resulting from a single accident, power surge, misuse or improper installation.

How much does it cost to repair a microwave?

Typically around $150. You can compare that with repair costs for other major appliances.

What is the cost to replace a microwave?

Replacing a built-in microwave costs $500 to $2,500 installed; an over-the-range unit costs $250 to $1,200. The range depends on the unit and how much cabinetry or electrical work the install requires.

What is the average life span of a microwave?

Roughly 10 years, even with good care. If yours is near that mark and needs a repair costing more than half the price of a new unit, replacement is usually the better decision.

When searching for the best home warranty coverage for your microwave, make sure you compare the different types of warranty coverage that are available.

* Subject to plan terms and conditions.

*The information in this blog library is intended to provide general guidance on home warranties, and on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.

*Our blog library may link to third-party sites that offer products, services, coaches, consultants, and/or experts. Any such link is provided for reference only and not intended as an endorsement or statement that the information provided by the other party is accurate. We are not compensated for any products or services purchased from these third-party links.