Asurion Appliance Protection Plan Review: Conditional Buy
Few protection plans spark such polarized opinions as the ASURION Appliance Protection Plan, earning anywhere from glowing 10/10 praise to searing 1/10 warnings depending on the user's claims experience. Across platforms, buyers either celebrate smooth, same-week replacements or lament drawn-out denials over technicalities.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — worth it for households with multiple, high-value appliances; risky if you expect full coverage without exclusions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast claims approval — some in minutes | Denials over “installation” or “pre-existing” conditions |
| Covers multiple major appliances under one plan | Requires purchase within 30 days of appliance buy |
| Includes food loss reimbursement and laundry service credit | Service fee of $99 per claim |
| Unlimited claims with no expiration while subscribed | Replacement may differ in brand/model |
| Works beyond manufacturer warranty coverage | Overlap with manufacturer warranties reduces value |
| Access to vetted repair network | Delays for parts or technician scheduling |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises “hassle-free coverage” from day one, with unlimited claims and no receipts needed. In practice, that early coverage can be more limited than buyers expect. Reddit user u/kjtonjm, for example, called about a laptop claim only to be told Asurion “had no record of my plan even though I could see it on my account.” For appliances, coverage for mechanical issues starts on day 31 — a crucial caveat often missed.
Another bold claim is “most claims approved within minutes.” Trustpilot reviewers back that up in many cases. Tina lauded the “easy and efficient” process, seeing her replacement arrive “in 1 day… on a Saturday.” But others, like an Amazon reviewer of the 5-year plan, faced months-long repair sagas: “six half days waiting for repairmen who did little or nothing… worst service experience of my life.”
The plan advertises “up to $250 food loss reimbursement.” For customers with refrigerator failures, this has been a saving grace — one Quora contributor detailed smooth payouts after a fridge stopped cooling. Yet Reddit threads reveal confusion: indoor tech used outdoors, or damage from pests, often gets deemed “outside of normal use” and denied.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Speed is consistently spotlighted. Verified buyers on Trustpilot rave about next-day replacements, and Reddit user u/ls8rc4v said, “When it stopped working… they refunded me the entire amount on my Amazon gift card balance.” This agility benefits heavy appliance users most — busy families, home offices — who can’t afford downtime. As one Twitter reaction put it, “The representative… was very polite and helpful, the issue was addressed immediately.”
Coverage breadth is another high point. With one subscription, refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, and more are included. A Quora reviewer noted, “I no longer had to worry about manufacturer coverage expiring or unexpected repair costs popping up.” For landlords or multi-appliance households, that blanket protection reduces the tracking burden of separate warranties.
Asurion’s willingness to refund rather than insist on repair also earns praise. Redditor u/ksae2vb recalled reporting a tent leaking in seven spots: “They… just refund me and I keep the tent.” That policy has turned potential hassles into customer loyalty.
Common Complaints
The sharpest criticism centers on claims denials. A Reddit poster’s microwave glass issue was rejected for “not properly installed” — after unplugging it for child safety, per Asurion's own instructions. In Amazon reviews, denials citing “infestation” or “cosmetic damage” frustrate buyers who believe the faults are mechanical.
Long repair timelines erode some users’ trust. One dishwasher owner waited six months through “six half days waiting for repairmen who did little or nothing.” In high-use homes, such downtime negates much of the plan’s intended security.
Overlap with manufacturer warranties also dampens value. As one Reddit commenter observed, buying a two-year Asurion plan right away often yields only one year of extra appliance coverage — the rest is parallel to OEM warranty.
Divisive Features
The $99 service fee is acceptable to some — “very nominal fee for a replacement,” per one Trustpilot review — but feels steep when applied to lower-cost components. Replacement equivalency sparks mixed feelings: one complaint noted swapping a $900 phone for a $60 model, while others appreciate Asurion’s “same make & model” attempts when possible.
Preventative maintenance is touted as a benefit, yet parts delays can blunt its impact. Those with unique or high-end appliances may face longer waits despite proactive scheduling.
Trust & Reliability
Scam accusations emerge mainly from denied claims hinging on fine print. On Reddit, “follow the instructions… voids your claim” is a recurring frustration. Amazon’s 1.9-star average on its 5-year $2,500–$2,999 plan illustrates how repetitive denials and prolonged repairs fuel distrust.
Long-term users show a more nuanced picture. A Trustpilot reviewer with decades of appliance ownership said coverage “finally seemed to really even out in the last 10 years,” citing a swift TV replacement as proof that the service can deliver when terms align.
Alternatives
Quora comparisons highlight that SquareTrade requires individual plans per item, driving costs higher for multi-appliance households. American Home Shield covers more home systems but at steeper rates and with claim caps. Home Depot and Lowe’s plans are locked to in-store purchases, a limitation Asurion avoids by covering appliances “regardless of where they were bought.” Choice Home Warranty includes appliances but imposes repair cost limits — unlike Asurion’s unlimited repair approach up to product value.
Price & Value
At $34.99/month plus a $99 service fee per claim, the plan’s economics work best for owners of expensive appliances with higher failure risk. Frequent buyers may bundle Asurion Complete Protect, covering multiple Amazon purchases, rather than pay for separate appliance plans. For budget appliances or low-usage homes, the value gap widens — especially if OEM coverage already spans 1–2 years.
Amazon and eBay data show no resale value to the plan itself; it's a sunk cost unless a claim is filed. Tips from Reddit include timing purchase just before OEM coverage lapses and documenting original condition to speed approval.
FAQ
Q: Does Asurion Appliance+ cover accidental damage?
A: Generally no — coverage focuses on mechanical/electrical breakdown, wear and tear, and surges. Accidental damage applies mainly to select electronics.
Q: How soon can I file a claim after purchase?
A: Appliance mechanical coverage begins on day 31; surge protection starts day one.
Q: Are replacements always identical to the original?
A: Not guaranteed; replacements may be new, refurbished, or remanufactured with similar functionality but possibly different brand/model.
Q: Can I use Appliance+ for items not bought from Amazon?
A: Yes — covers eligible appliances regardless of purchase location.
Q: Is food loss reimbursement automatic with fridge claims?
A: Included up to $250 per approved claim, but requires proof of loss and validation against coverage terms.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own several high-value appliances and want unified, ongoing coverage beyond OEM warranties. Avoid if you expect full coverage for cosmetic, accidental, or unconventional use — or already have strong credit card or retailer warranty perks. Pro tip from Reddit: “Take photos when you first receive it… saves you headaches if claims are questioned.”
