Refrigerator Insurance

What is Refrigerator Insurance?

Refrigerator insurance (also called fridge insurance) is coverage that protects your fridge against risks like fire, theft, accidental damage, and electrical or mechanical breakdown when it is included in a home insurance policy. It ensures financial protection for the repair or replacement of this electronic appliance.

Is a Refrigerator Covered Under Home Insurance?

Yes. Under home appliance insurance plans, refrigerators are covered as contents when you opt for contents insurance of a home insurance policy or specific home insurance add-ons.

Benefits of Refrigerator Insurance

Here are some of the benefits of purchasing the refrigerator insurance plan:

• Affordable Premium &Better Coverage: The insurance plan offers an affordable rate and provides better coverage to your home and electrical appliances.
• Financial Aid: This add-on provides financial aid to you in case of loss or damage caused to your refrigerator.
• Quick Damage Recovery: There are times when you do not have enough money to cover the damage, and if you have this insurance plan, you can quickly recover the damage without worrying about the expense.
• Sense of Security: The insurance plan not only provides financial cover to you in case of loss or damage but also gives you a sense of security that you would not have to pay for any unforeseen loss or damage out of pocket.

What is Covered Under Refrigerator Insurance?

Inclusions

The refrigerator insurance provides cover for the following:

• Fire: Loss or damage to the refrigerator caused to a fire is covered.
• Theft/Burglary: The insurer will provide cover for the theft and burglary of your refrigerator.
• Accidental Damage: The insurer will provide coverage for accidental damage to the refrigerator.
• Electrical &Mechanical Breakdown: The insurer will provide cover for any mechanical or electrical breakdown causing damage to the refrigerator. The insurer will provide cover for the repair and replacement of the refrigerator.

Exclusions

The insurer will not provide cover for the following:

• Wear &Tear: The insurer will not provide cover for the refrigerator's wear and tear.
• Manufacturing Defect: If there is a manufacturing defect in your refrigerator, the insurer will not be liable and will not provide cover.
• Aesthetic defect: The insurer will not provide cover for any kind of scratch, stain as well or any issue related to the material of the refrigerator.
• Willful Damage: The insurer will not provide cover for the willful destruction of the refrigerator under any circumstances.
• Non-Disclosure of Fault: If the insured fails to disclose important information to the insurer or hides information that should be disclosed when raising a claim, the insurer will not provide cover for it.

*Disclaimer: The above-mentioned inclusions and exclusions are the general coverage of a refrigerator insurance policy, and they might vary from insurer to insurer. For a detailed version, visit the insurer's official website.

Difference Between Warranty and Refrigerator Insurance

Many people assume that a refrigerator warranty and refrigerator insurance are the same, but they serve very different purposes.

A manufacturer's warranty covers manufacturing defects or internal faults for a limited period. It does not protect your fridge from real-world risks like fire, theft, accidental damage, or voltage fluctuations.

On the other hand, fridge insurance under home appliance insurance plans protects your refrigerator from external and accidental risks such as fire, burglary, natural calamities, electrical breakdown, and more, as long as you hold an active policy.

Who Should Buy Fridge Insurance?

A refrigerator insurance plan is especially meant for:

• People who own high-end or smart refrigerators
• Homes located in theft-prone or fire-prone areas
• Areas facing frequent voltage fluctuations
• Families with multiple costly appliances at home
• Tenants and homeowners who want protection for their contents

Factors Affecting Refrigerator Insurance Premium

The premium for insurance for a fridge under home appliances insurance in India depends on several factors:

• Age of the refrigerator (older appliances have a higher risk)
• Brand, model, and market value
• Sum insured chosen for coverage
• Whether you opt for it as a basic cover or add-on
• Location-related risks like fire, theft, or electrical issues

How Sum Insured is Decided for Insurance for a Fridge?

The sum insured in refrigerator insurance is calculated based on the following factors:

• The original purchase value of the refrigerator
• Depreciation based on the age of the appliance
• The current replacement cost of a similar model in the market
• This ensures that, in the event of damage or loss, you receive a fair amount for repair or replacement under your fridge insurance.

How to Renew Refrigerator Insurance?

When you purchase a refrigerator insurance add-on with your home insurance, it has a validity period. You are required to renew it before its expiry date to maintain continuous coverage. Here are the steps that you can follow to renew your fridge insurance plan:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the insurer
• Step 2: Enter your details, such as policy number, name, policy name, etc.
• Step 3: Now, click on the option of “Renew policy”
• Step 4: Review your plan and proceed
• Step 5: Add or remove any particular add-on as per your requirement
• Step 6: Now it will show you the final premium amount
• Step 7: Pay the premium amount using credit/debit, net banking, UPI, etc., as per your convenience
• Step 8: The insurer will send you a confirmation message to your registered mobile number and a confirmation email.

Make sure that you renew your insurance plan before the expiration date to get continuous coverage.

How to Raise a Claim Under Refrigerator Insurance?

Follow the steps below to raise a claim under the refrigerator insurance policy.

• Inform the Insurer: Inform the insurance company as soon as possible.
• Take Pictures of the Damage: As proof, take pictures of the damage to the refrigerator. It would help you while raising the claim online.
• Keep Documents Ready: Ensure the documents are ready, as you will be required to submit a set along with the claim form.
• Help Insurer During Inspection: Once the claim is raised, the insurer will send an inspector to conduct an inspection. You can assist them during the inspection and answer their questions.
• Compensation: Once the inspector is satisfied, he will inform the insurer, and they will initiate compensation from their end as per your sum insured.

Documents Required for Raising Refrigerator Insurance Claim

• Policy document
• Purchase invoice for the refrigerator
• Photos of damage
• Claim form
• ID proof

Claim Example – How Refrigerator Insurance Helps?

Suppose a sudden voltage surge damages the compressor of your ₹45,000 refrigerator. Such electrical damage is not covered under a standard warranty. However, if you have refrigerator insurance or fridge insurance cover under a home appliance insurance plan, you can raise a claim.

After you inform the insurer, an inspection is done to assess the damage. Based on the policy terms, the insurer will either pay for the repair or cover the cost of replacement, saving you from a heavy out-of-pocket expense.

Things to Check Before Buying Refrigerator Insurance

• Coverage for electrical breakdown
• Depreciation clause
• Claim process
• Age limit of the appliance
• Inclusion under home appliance insurance plans

Why Buy Refrigerator Insurance from Policybazaar?

Getting your refrigerator insurance online from Policybazaar.com gives an array of benefits:

• Compare multiple home appliance insurance plans for refrigerator insurance in one place.
• Instant refrigerator insurance quotes based on your fridge value and location.
• Option to add fridge insurance cover easily to your existing home insurance policy.
• Transparent premium calculator to estimate insurance for a refrigerator before buying.
• Access to plans from various insurers in India without visiting multiple websites.
• 100% online purchase and paperless process via website or mobile app.
• Dedicated claim assistance support if you need help during a claim.
• Easy renewal reminders so your refrigerator insurance plan never lapses.