Motor burnout insurance

Motor burnout insurance helps if appliances like your fridge, air con and washing machines go bust — these home insurance policies can cover you.

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Key takeaways

  • Motor burnout cover protects electrical appliances like fridges and washing machines from power surge damage.
  • Adding this cover often costs around $100 annually, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars or more on appliance repairs.
  • Review your policy's PDS for exclusions, as appliances over 15 years old are often not covered.

Get motor burnout insurance to cover the cost if a motor in your electrical appliance goes bust. This includes household appliances like fridges, freezers, washing machines and even vacuum cleaners.

Motor burnout (sometimes known as 'fusion damage') usually happens as a result of a power surge or excessive current, such as a lightning strike. Sometimes, motor burnout insurance is included as standard in home and contents insurance policies but, more often, it's offered as an optional add-on.

Washing machine against wall

What is motor burnout insurance?

Motor burnout insurance pays out when the motor in an electrical appliance suddenly dies. This is usually due to a power surge or excessive current, such as a lightning strike.

It's usually fairly inexpensive to add motor burnout insurance to a policy, but there are some key exclusions to be aware of.

How much does it cost?

The cost of motor burnout insurance varies depending on the value of appliances within your home, among other things like if you're the homeowner, a renter or even the landlord. To give you an idea on costs, we gathered quotes from a few different companies for a home and contents policy for a homeowner.

Our research shows that you could add cover to your home and contents policy for around $100 a year.*

BrandPolicywith motor burnoutw/o motor burnoutAnnual differenceApply?
Smart Home & Contents$2,975.73$2,857.92$117.81
AAMI LogoHome & Contents Insurance$1,873.10$1,873.10No change in cost
NRMA LogoHome & Contents Standard$2,382.93$2,284.51$98.42
Allianz LogoHome & Contents Insurance$3,073.24$3,055.28$17.96
QBE LogoHome & Contents Insurance$3,726.43$3,726.43No change in cost

Is motor burnout insurance worth it?

Imagine a lightning strike or power surge burns out the motors in your fridge, washing machine and dryer. You could also have a motor in an electric gate or garage doors. That could easily cost hundreds of dollars, or more, for replacement or repair.

However, in many cases, you can add motor burnout insurance to your home and contents policy for less than $100 a year. If you have lots of appliances in your home, or you live in an area prone to lightning strikes and power surges, it's well worth considering cover.

Some motor burnout policies also include coverage for spoiled goods. So if the motor in your fridge freezer burns out, you'll be covered for the value of lost food inside. For bigger families and anyone who likes to stock up, that could be worth hundreds of dollars.

Of course, if you have adequate surge protection, then motor burnout insurance might be low on your list of insurance requirements. Older appliances are often excluded from cover too, so check the product disclosure statement (PDS) carefully to see what the age limits are.

You can find cover in both home and contents insurance and contents only policies.

What does motor burnout insurance cover?

Motor burnout insurance covers the cost of repair or replacement if the electrical motor burns out in one of your appliances.

Types of appliances covered by this insurance include:

  • Fridges and freezers
  • Washing machines and dryers
  • Split-system air conditioners
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Ceiling fans
  • Electric garage doors
  • Electric gates

The level of coverage will likely vary based on the age of the appliances. Older motors may cost more to insure than new appliances do; they also may receive a smaller benefit or may be excluded from coverage altogether.

Some policies can also include a food spoilage clause, so if the motor in your fridge freezer burns out, you'll be covered for the cost of the food inside.

What is fusion insurance?

Is it the same thing as motor burnout insurance?
Pretty much. In fact, we checked a few policies and found that most insurers refer to it as 'motor burnout' instead of 'motor fusion'.

What kinds of exclusions are there?

Some common exclusions for motor burnout coverage are appliances that are:

  • More than 15 years old
  • Covered by a guarantee or warranty
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Used for a business
  • Not kept at your insured address

Each insurance type has a product disclosure statement (PDS) which you are encouraged to read to understand everything you are covered for and what you can claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Nicola Middlemiss's headshot
Journalist

Nicola Middlemiss is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance and insurance. She has contributed to Domain, Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Insurance Business Australia, offering in-depth insights into commercial insurance in the Australian market. Nicola holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Leeds and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which complies with ASIC standards. See full bio

Nicola's expertise
Nicola has written 246 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Personal finance
  • Personal insurance, including car, health, home, life, pet and travel insurance
  • Commercial business insurance

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