Older man in a red shirt performs repairs on a broken air conditioning unit.

What Is Equipment Breakdown Coverage?

From your smart TV to your refrigerator, the cost of technology, appliances and equipment can add up! Equipment Breakdown coverage is an optional endorsement you can add to your American Family Insurance homeowners policy or renters policy to help protect all the equipment that keeps your house running and makes it feel like home.* Whether you own a home or rent an apartment, the added protection of Equipment Breakdown coverage can give you peace of mind and help prepare you for the unexpected.

For just a few dollars per month, this optional coverage may help cover the cost to repair or replace expensive equipment if it’s damaged due to a mechanical, electrical or pressure systems breakdown. It works with your current homeowners or renters policy and typically kicks in after your deductible is paid. Read on to learn more about how Equipment Breakdown coverage may be able to help protect your finances.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage Basics

Your Technology

  • Cameras
  • Desktop computers and laptops
  • Home security systems
  • Smart home devices
  • 3D printers

Your Appliances

  • Air conditioning window units
  • Chest freezers
  • Dishwashers
  • HVAC systems
  • Stoves and ovens
  • Washing machines and dryers

Your Entertainment Systems

  • Audio amplifiers
  • Flat screen TVs
  • Smart speakers
  • Surround sound systems
  • Video game consoles
  • Virtual reality (VR) headsets and systems

Your Water Heater

  • Conventional water heaters and water heaters
  • On-demand water heaters

Why Homeowners Need Equipment Breakdown Coverage

The things you use all the time at home can break unexpectedly. Dishwasher motors go out and washing machines suddenly stop working. Swimming pool filtering systems and heating and cooling equipment can fail, too.

Equipment Breakdown coverage helps limit the out-of-pocket costs you might need to pay if appliances, smart home devices and other technology stop working. This additional coverage may help you get key appliances and equipment in your home up and running again. It may even limit costly out-of-pocket expenses to the amount of your Equipment Breakdown deductible.

Plus, if your outdated appliances need to be replaced, Equipment Breakdown coverage may also pay the additional cost — up to 50% more than the value of the item — to upgrade them with a current Energy Star or energy-efficient model.

Build Your Own Homeowners Policy

Learn how you can add optional coverages to design your own homeowners policy and protect what matters most to you.

Why Renters Need Equipment Breakdown Coverage

If you rent, Equipment Breakdown coverage may help pay for damage to any appliances or technology you own. For example, suppose your neighborhood experiences a power surge that affects your apartment, and your laptop gets fried. An affordable Equipment Breakdown policy may help you cover repair or replacement costs.

Similarly, if you bring your own appliances, such as an AC window unit or chest freezer, to the house or duplex you’re renting, they would also be protected if you have this additional coverage. Keep in mind, though, that normal wear and tear isn’t covered.

Contact Your Agent for an Equipment Breakdown Insurance Quote

When you connect with your American Family Insurance agent about your Equipment Breakdown coverage options, set aside some additional time to review all your policies.

Be sure to ask about discounts you may be eligible for such as AutoPay, Paperless and Smart Home. It’s also a great time to find out how much you could save by bundling your home and auto policies with American Family. You’ll find your agent is an expert at customizing policies that fit your exact needs and budget, which means making sure you get just-right protection for your lifestyle and the just-right savings for your wallet.

The information on this webpage represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Coverage features and limits vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Discount availability and eligibility vary by state and policy terms. (Discounts apply to auto and property policies.) Please check with your agent and read the policy for exact details on coverages and exclusions.

*Coverage provided by adding the Equipment Breakdown optional endorsement. Coverage provides protection should appliances, home systems or smart home devices be damaged due to mechanical, electrical or pressure systems sudden breakdown. Does not provide coverage for breakdown caused by normal wear and tear. Coverage applies once a $500 deductible has been met.

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