ASURION Appliance Protection Plan Review: Worth the Risk?
Few protection plans inspire both loyalty and skepticism as sharply as the ASURION Appliance Protection Plan, which balances glowing 4.7/10 Trustpilot averages against angry one-star Amazon reviews. Based on thousands of user accounts, its appeal hinges on speed and convenience—but delays, denials, and fine print snags can sour the experience fast.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Best for multi-appliance homes needing quick, hassle-free claims; risky if you expect exact replacements or have high-end brands with complex repair needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast claim approvals, often within minutes | Replacement product may differ in brand, color, or condition |
| Covers multiple major appliances under one plan | Overlapping coverage with manufacturer warranties can reduce value |
| Unlimited claims, no receipts required | Denials for exclusions like improper installation or “infestation” |
| Includes perks like food/laundry reimbursement | Service delays and repair tech no-shows reported |
| Flexible enrollment for existing appliances | Some parts take weeks to source for premium brands |
| Available regardless of purchase location | Monthly fee adds up for low-risk, low-value items |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises “no additional costs for repairs—parts, labor, and shipping included.” Reddit user u/ls8rc4v praised this, saying: “When [my product] stopped working just over a year later they refunded me the entire amount on my Amazon gift card balance.” For these users, the advertised seamlessness largely matched reality.
But reality diverges for those caught by exclusions. One Amazon reviewer recounted a denied claim because a tech deemed their dishwasher “infested” after finding evidence of a single bug months earlier: “I told [the tech] 1 bug doesn't constitute an infestation but they didn’t care.” In this case, the service promise was overshadowed by rigid denial protocols.
Another claim—coverage from “day one” for power surges—proved contentious. While Asurion starts surge coverage immediately, a Reddit thread flagged confusion over start dates for other benefits: “Coverage for mechanical or electrical breakdowns… begins on day 31,” leaving some early failures uncovered despite the monthly premiums already being paid.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Speed is where Asurion wins major points. Trustpilot user Tina said, “I was promised my replacement in 2 business days, it came in 1 day and was delivered on a Saturday.” For busy households, especially those with essential appliances like refrigerators, this turnaround prevents major disruptions. Twitter user Chun highlighted polite and immediate issue resolution under Appliance+, making it ideal for families juggling multiple breakdowns.
Coverage breadth resonates with owners of varied brands. A verified buyer on Amazon noted, “I’ve bought several items from Amazon… three claims… paid immediately.” For renters and homeowners with mixed-brand kitchens or laundry rooms, the “no-Retailer restriction” policy avoids the pitfalls of store-exclusive plans.
Multi-device households see real value in unlimited claims. A Twitter mention from Jason underlined this with home+ coverage: “I have 5 kids… wear and tear on our devices… Asurion was quick to handle.” Homes prone to frequent minor issues—teen laptop spills, fridge malfunctions—benefit from the claim volume flexibility.
Common Complaints
Denials over installation conditions are a recurring sore spot. One Reddit poster recounted how removing an unsafe microwave to prevent their children from ingesting glass voided their claim on the basis it was “not properly installed.” These rulings frustrate careful owners who feel penalized for safety measures.
Service delays erode trust more than cost. Multiple Amazon reviewers in the 5-year plan category reported months of waiting: “Six half days waiting for repairmen who did little or nothing. Six months of hand washing dishes,” said one dishwasher owner. This slow cycle undermines the “fast fixes” promise central to Asurion’s marketing.
Disappointment also stems from replacement disparity. A Trustpilot critic fumed after swapping a $900 phone for a $60 unit. While Asurion discloses replacements may differ in brand and features, the impact is harsher on customers expecting identical replacements—especially with premium appliances.
Divisive Features
The $34.99/month subscription fee polarizes buyers. For high-use homes, it’s considered “worth every penny” when paired with $99 flat service fees, as Quora user Clayton Johnson described: “No hidden fees… most claims approved within minutes.” But for single, low-failure appliances, cost-conscious shoppers see it as excessive insurance.
Food loss reimbursement up to $250 is loved by those stocking freezers in bulk, but shrugged off by minimalists. Likewise, laundry service reimbursement feels token to heavy laundry users—"$25 may not cover a week at laundromat"—but offers modest aid in long outages.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show a split between stellar customer service and skepticism over marketing ethics. Positive reviews frequently praise named reps—Pearl “waived my deductible and arranged for a brand new phone” after tech no-shows—indicating individual agents can salvage negative experiences.
Long-term Reddit posters confirm improved claim processes post-2024 rebrand to “Complete Protect,” but still warn of scenarios triggering vague denials (“wear and tear,” “damage” definitions). Amazon’s lowest ratings cluster around multi-year plans tied to Home Depot sales, with accusations like “stay away from their protection plan” after repeated service fails. The durability of satisfaction seems highest in first-year ownership when claim complexity is minimal.
Alternatives
Compared to SquareTrade, Asurion offers broader coverage under one plan rather than requiring individualized appliance policies. This is more convenient for owners of large appliance suites but sacrifices per-device specialization. American Home Shield covers more systems (HVAC, plumbing) but charges higher fees per service call; Asurion is leaner for appliance-only needs. Store-linked options like Home Depot Protection Plan or Lowe’s limit coverage to store purchases, a non-issue for Asurion which accepts multi-retailer appliances.
Price & Value
At $34.99 per month plus $99/service call, Asurion competes best where repair costs approach replacement value. For instance, a $2,000 washer with a bad motor could be fixed for $99 instead of $600–$900 out-of-pocket. But for budget appliances under $400, long-term fees can outstrip replacement costs after a couple years. Community advice leans toward reserving subscription coverage for large or essential appliances, not low-ticket items.
FAQ
Q: Does Asurion cover cosmetic damage to appliances?
A: No. Coverage excludes cosmetic issues unless they affect function. Mechanical and electrical failures, surges, and certain operational defects are covered.
Q: How quickly are claims processed?
A: Many users report approvals within minutes and replacements within 1–2 days, especially for common parts or standard models.
Q: Is coverage immediate for all issues?
A: Power surge coverage begins day one, but mechanical/electrical breakdown coverage starts day 31 after enrollment.
Q: Can I enroll appliances bought years ago?
A: Yes, existing appliances are eligible, provided they are in working condition and meet plan criteria.
Q: Are there limits on claims?
A: No claim number limit, but coverage caps at $5,000/year total value.
Final Verdict:
Buy if you have multiple essential appliances across brands, value fast replacements, and want predictable repair fees. Avoid if you expect identical replacements or need coverage for pre-existing damage. Pro tip from community: Document your appliance’s condition at purchase and clarify terms early—fast claims are easiest when you prepare evidence before problems arise.
