What is Equipment Breakdown Insurance?
Justin Sonon • August 14, 2025
Should you add this affordable coverage to your home insurance?

What Equipment Breakdown Coverage Can Provide If Added to Your Home Insurance Plan
Most homeowners understand that their standard home insurance protects against things like fire, theft, and certain weather damage. But what happens when your furnace stops working in the middle of winter or your refrigerator suddenly dies? Standard homeowners insurance often won’t cover mechanical or electrical failures, and that’s where Equipment Breakdown Coverage comes in.
What Is Equipment Breakdown Coverage?
Equipment Breakdown Coverage
is an optional add-on to your home insurance policy that helps pay for the repair or replacement of essential household systems and appliances if they break down due to a sudden, unexpected mechanical, electrical, or pressure-system failure.
It’s not a maintenance plan, as it won’t cover normal wear and tear, but it does step in for unexpected failures that could otherwise cost thousands out of pocket.
What Does It Cover?
While coverage details can vary by insurer, here are common items protected under Equipment Breakdown Coverage:
Heating and Cooling Systems: Furnaces, boilers, central air conditioning units, and heat pumps.
Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, ovens, dishwashers, and more.
Laundry Appliances: Washers and dryers.
Electrical Systems: Panels, wiring, generators, and certain smart home devices.
Water Heaters and Well Pumps: Both gas and electric.
Home Office Equipment: Computers, printers, and other electronics damaged by electrical surges.
Surge Protection: Coverage for electronics and systems damaged by a sudden power surge.
Some policies may also cover items like pool equipment, home theater systems, and even personal medical equipment if damaged in a covered breakdown.
Real-Life Scenarios Where It Helps
1. Power Surge Damage
A sudden power surge knocks out your expensive smart refrigerator. Equipment Breakdown Coverage could help pay for repairs or a replacement.
2. HVAC System Failure
Your air conditioning unit’s compressor fails in July. Without coverage, replacing it could run thousands. With coverage, you may only be responsible for the deductible.
3. Boiler Breakdown
In the middle of winter, your boiler stops working due to a mechanical failure. Coverage can help you get it repaired quickly so you’re not left in the cold.
Why Add It to Your Policy?
Affordable: Often costs a relatively small amount to add to your homeowners insurance.
High Repair Costs: Many household systems cost thousands to repair or replace.
Peace of Mind: Covers many situations not included in standard home insurance.
Equipment Breakdown Coverage
fills a common gap in standard homeowners insurance by protecting your home’s major systems and appliances from sudden mechanical or electrical failures. For a relatively low additional premium, it can save you from hefty repair bills and the inconvenience of being without essential equipment.
Before adding it, review your current policy and talk to your insurance agent about what’s included, what’s excluded, and whether the coverage makes sense for your household. Contact us
for a free estimate for home insurance with equipment breakdown added.
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