What Asurion is and how it operates

Asurion is a third-party protection plan provider that sells appliance coverage through retailers, manufacturers, and directly to consumers. When you buy an Asurion plan, you pay a monthly or upfront fee in exchange for repair or replacement coverage on specific appliances. Asurion does not manufacture appliances — it insures them against breakdowns and accidental damage.

The company operates by contracting with a network of repair technicians and authorized service centers. When you file a claim, Asurion either dispatches a technician to your home, sends you to an authorized repair shop, or arranges a replacement depending on your plan terms and what failed. You typically pay a service fee per claim (often called a deductible), and Asurion covers the rest of the repair or replacement cost up to your plan's limits.

Asurion plans are separate from manufacturer warranties. A manufacturer warranty covers defects for a set period (usually one to three years); an Asurion plan extends or replaces that coverage and often includes accidental damage that warranties do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Asurion plans charge a monthly or upfront fee and require you to pay a service fee when you file a claim, with Asurion covering repair or replacement costs above that amount.
  • Coverage varies by plan: some cover mechanical breakdown only, while others include accidental damage like drops, spills, or power surges.
  • Plans have limits on what they will pay per claim and over the life of the plan, and some appliances or failure types may be excluded entirely.
  • You can purchase Asurion plans at the time of appliance purchase through a retailer, from the manufacturer, or directly from Asurion for appliances you already own.
  • Asurion plans are optional — they are not required to use your appliance or receive manufacturer support.

Coverage types and what is and is not included

Asurion offers different plan tiers, and what each covers depends on the specific plan you choose. Most plans cover mechanical breakdown — when an appliance stops working due to a failed part or system. Some plans also cover accidental damage, such as a refrigerator door left open that ruins food, a washing machine flooded by a burst hose, or a microwave damaged by a power surge.

Plans typically exclude damage from misuse, neglect, or normal wear. They also exclude damage from events like theft, fire, or natural disasters (though some plans may cover specific perils if you pay extra). Pre-existing damage — problems that existed before the plan started — is not covered. Plans also usually exclude cosmetic damage that does not affect function, such as a dent on a dishwasher exterior.

Each plan has a maximum benefit per claim and sometimes a lifetime maximum. For example, a plan might cover up to $500 per repair claim, or up to $2,000 total across all claims over five years. Once you hit that limit, the plan stops paying. Plans also have a service fee (deductible) per claim, typically $50 to $150 depending on the plan and appliance type.

How to purchase an Asurion plan

You can buy Asurion coverage in three ways. At point of sale, retailers like Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot offer Asurion plans when you purchase an appliance. The retailer's staff will present plan options, and you can add one to your purchase before checkout. From the manufacturer, some appliance makers (such as LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool) sell Asurion plans directly through their websites or customer service lines. Directly from Asurion, you can visit Asurion's website or call their customer service to purchase a plan for an appliance you already own, though availability and pricing vary by appliance age and type.

When you buy at the point of sale, the plan typically starts when ready or on the date the appliance is delivered. If you buy directly from Asurion for an existing appliance, there is usually a waiting period (often 30 days) before coverage begins, and the appliance must be in working condition at the time you purchase the plan.

Filing a claim and getting repairs

To file a claim, contact Asurion through their website, mobile app, or phone number (which is usually printed on your plan documents or receipt). You will need your plan number, a description of what is wrong with the appliance, and proof of purchase or plan enrollment. Asurion will ask you to describe the problem and may ask for photos or a video.

Once approved, Asurion will either dispatch a technician to your home, direct you to an authorized repair center, or send you a replacement appliance depending on your plan and the repair cost. If the repair cost exceeds your plan's maximum benefit, you pay the difference. If the appliance cannot be repaired cost-effectively, Asurion may replace it instead. You pay your service fee at the time of service or claim approval.

Repair timelines vary. Emergency or expedited service may be available for an additional fee. Standard service typically takes several days to schedule, and the actual repair may take a few hours to a full day depending on the problem and technician availability.

Plan costs and how they compare to self-insuring

Asurion plan costs vary widely based on the appliance type, coverage level, and plan length. A basic plan for a refrigerator might cost $10 to $20 per month or $100 to $200 upfront for a year; a comprehensive plan with accidental damage could cost $20 to $40 per month. Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers typically fall in a similar range. Service fees per claim usually run $50 to $150.

To decide whether a plan makes financial sense, compare the total cost of the plan over its term (monthly fee × months, plus expected service fees) against the typical repair cost for that appliance. A refrigerator compressor replacement might cost $400 to $800 out of pocket; if you pay $15 per month for five years plus two $75 service fees, your total plan cost is $1,050, which may exceed what you would pay for a single major repair. However, if you value the certainty of a capped cost and the convenience of not paying a large bill unexpectedly, the plan may be worth it to you.

Asurion plans versus manufacturer warranties and other protection options

A manufacturer warranty typically covers defects for one to three years at no additional cost and requires no service fee. Asurion plans extend coverage beyond that period and often include accidental damage, but they cost money and require you to pay a service fee per claim. Some manufacturers offer their own extended warranty or protection plans (sometimes through Asurion, sometimes through other providers), which may be cheaper or more comprehensive than buying separately.

Some credit cards offer purchase protection or extended warranty benefits automatically; check your card's benefits guide to see if your appliance is covered. Home warranty plans (which cover multiple systems and appliances in your home) may be cheaper per appliance than buying individual Asurion plans, but they often have higher service fees and longer wait times for service.

Asurion plans are optional. You are not required to purchase one to use your appliance or receive manufacturer support. If you choose not to buy a plan, you pay for repairs out of pocket or through your homeowner's or renter's insurance if the damage is covered (accidental damage coverage varies by policy).

Cancellation, refunds, and plan terms you should review

Most Asurion plans allow you to cancel within a set window (often 30 days) for a full or partial refund if you have not filed a claim. After that window, cancellation policies vary — some plans are month-to-month and can be cancelled anytime with a prorated refund, while others are locked in for a set term (such as one or three years) and may not offer refunds if you cancel early.

Before you buy, read the plan documents carefully. Look for the coverage limits (maximum per claim and lifetime maximum), the service fee, what is and is not covered, the waiting period before coverage starts, and the cancellation and refund policy. Plan terms can differ significantly between retailers, manufacturers, and direct purchases, so comparing the actual documents — not just the price — matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy an Asurion plan for an appliance I already own?

Yes, Asurion sells plans for existing appliances through their website and phone line. The appliance must be in working condition, and there is usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Availability and pricing depend on the appliance age and type, and some very old appliances may not be available for coverage.

What happens if my appliance breaks down during the waiting period?

Breakdowns during the waiting period are not covered. Coverage begins on the date specified in your plan documents, typically 30 days after purchase. If an appliance fails before that date, you will need to pay for repairs out of pocket.

Does Asurion cover normal wear and tear?

No. Asurion plans cover sudden mechanical breakdown and, depending on your plan, accidental damage. They do not cover gradual deterioration, maintenance issues, or damage from misuse or neglect. For example, a worn-out seal on a refrigerator door would likely not be covered if it failed over time.

Can I use my own repair technician, or do I have to use Asurion's network?

Most Asurion plans require you to use their network of authorized technicians or repair centers to receive coverage. Using an outside technician usually means you pay the full cost and cannot claim reimbursement. Check your plan documents for any exceptions or pre-approval options.

What if the repair cost is less than my service fee?

You still pay the full service fee. For example, if your service fee is $75 and the repair costs $50, Asurion covers the $50 and you pay the $75 fee, for a total out-of-pocket cost of $75. This is why plans work better for expensive repairs than for minor ones.