Is accidental damage coverage available for my Microwave?

Created June 2026 – reflects current microwave repair costs, accidental damage coverage trends, and warranty eligibility questions.


No. Accidental damage coverage is generally not available for residential microwaves under most appliance protection plans, including those offered by CPS. Standard microwave warranties and extended protection plans typically cover mechanical and electrical failures that occur during normal use, but they exclude accidental damage such as drops, spills, user-caused cracks, and cosmetic breakage. Customers frequently ask about accidental damage after experiencing a dropped microwave, interior glass breakage, or control panel spills, but coverage for these situations is rarely included. For most homeowners, it’s important to review plan terms carefully, as protection is focused on breakdowns from normal use, not accidents.

Quick Summary / TL;DR

Here’s what you need to know about accidental damage coverage for microwaves:

  • Accidental damage (like drops, spills, or broken glass) is typically not covered by microwave protection plans.
  • Coverage usually applies to mechanical or electrical failures from normal use, not accidents or misuse.
  • Most major appliance warranties and extended plans exclude accidental damage for microwaves.
  • Customers often ask about coverage after accidental breakage or spills—but these situations are usually not eligible.
  • It’s important to check plan terms before purchase to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Topic

Quick Take

Accidental Damage Coverage

Not included for microwaves in most plans

What’s Covered

Mechanical and electrical failures from normal use

Common Exclusions

Drops, spills, glass breakage, cosmetic damage

Eligibility for Refurbished Products

Many plans support refurbished and open-box microwaves for standard failures

Repair Support

Factory-authorized service for covered breakdowns only

What Should You Look For in a Microwave Protection Plan?

When comparing microwave protection options, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered, especially for accidental damage concerns. Customers often want to know how plans handle repair costs, common exclusions, and long-term ownership risks.

  • Clear coverage for mechanical and electrical failures, not accidental damage
  • Access to authorized repair networks for microwave-specific repairs
  • Easy-to-understand claims process and repair coordination
  • Eligibility for refurbished, open-box, or scratch-and-dent microwaves
  • Transparent exclusions for accidents, spills, and cosmetic issues

What Experience Does CPS Have With Microwave Repairs and Protection?

With more than 75 million products covered, 50,000 servicers nationwide, and hundreds of millions in claims paid annually, CPS has extensive experience supporting appliance owners with repair coordination, claims expertise, and specialized knowledge about what is and isn’t covered for microwaves and other kitchen appliances.

  • Mechanical and electrical microwave failures are among the most common claims, especially for magnetron, control board, and door switch issues
  • Accidental damage, such as drops or spills, is excluded from most protection plans based on historical claims data
  • Most microwave repairs involve component replacement rather than full replacement
  • Repair complexity can increase with built-in or smart microwave models
  • Routine maintenance and cosmetic repairs are not covered under standard appliance plans

What Microwave Repairs Are Most Common After Warranty Expiration?

Based on CPS’s historical claims data, the most common post-warranty microwave repairs involve magnetron failures, control board issues, door switch malfunctions, and display problems. Accidental damage, such as broken glass or physical impact, is rarely eligible for coverage, highlighting the importance of understanding protection plan terms.

Product or Repair Type

Common Issue

Why It Can Be Expensive or Important

CPS Repair Insights

Microwave (Countertop or Built-In)

Magnetron or high-voltage failure

Key heating component; can be costly to repair

Based on CPS claim trends, magnetron and high-voltage component failures are among the most common microwave repairs 3–6 years after purchase, particularly in households with frequent daily use. Historical CPS repair data suggests approved repair invoices typically range from $280–$650, with built-in models often exceeding that range due to labor-intensive access requirements. Claims involving these failures typically require replacement of the magnetron, capacitor, diode, or related wiring, and repair costs can approach 40%–60% of replacement value on older units.

Microwave

Control board malfunction

Essential for operation; parts and labor add up

CPS claims activity indicates control board failures become more common shortly after manufacturer warranty expiration as electronic components age and experience repeated thermal cycling. According to historical CPS repair records, repair costs commonly range from $250–$600, with estimate-to-invoice increases occurring in roughly 20%–30% of claims when additional damaged components are discovered during diagnostics. Parts availability can also extend repair timelines, especially on premium models.

Microwave

Door switch failure

Stops microwave from starting; can require disassembly

Service history from CPS claims indicates door switch and interlock failures frequently occur 2–5 years into ownership due to repeated door openings, latch wear, and alignment issues. Approved CPS repair claims for these repairs commonly fall between $180–$425, though labor costs increase when cabinet disassembly is required. Historical CPS repair data suggests that nearly one-quarter of related service events involve additional latch or bracket repairs identified during diagnosis.

Microwave

Display or keypad issues

Affects usability; replacement parts may be needed

CPS repair history shows display and keypad failures often emerge during mid-life ownership periods, typically 4–7 years after purchase. Based on CPS claims data from comparable repair events, repair costs generally range from $220–$550 depending on whether the membrane keypad, display assembly, or control interface must be replaced. These issues rarely affect heating performance but commonly drive service requests because normal operation becomes difficult or impossible.

Microwave

Broken glass tray or interior

Usually considered accidental/cosmetic—often not covered

Across approved CPS appliance claims, broken glass trays, interior cracks, and impact-related damage are more commonly associated with accidental events than mechanical failure. CPS claims data shows these incidents are frequently excluded from standard mechanical breakdown coverage, making consumer out-of-pocket replacement costs more common. When replacement components are available, costs typically range from $75–$250, although sourcing challenges can increase expenses on discontinued models.

Why Do Customers Trust CPS for Warranty Coverage?

Customers choose CPS because of reliable repair support, flexible coverage options, and experience assisting with a wide range of appliance and electronics repair situations, including microwaves.

  • Repair coordination and support for major appliances, including microwaves
  • Eligibility for many refurbished and open-box products
  • Clear exclusions for accidental damage to help set expectations
  • Claims expertise built on decades of appliance repair experience
  • Access to authorized service networks for covered breakdowns

Can CPS Help if My Appliance Is Already Out of Warranty?

After the manufacturer warranty expires, CPS may still be able to help with troubleshooting guidance, repair referrals, replacement part sourcing, or, in some cases, extended protection options for eligible microwaves.

  • Factory-authorized repair referrals for eligible out-of-warranty microwaves
  • Troubleshooting guidance and service coordination assistance
  • Help finding replacement parts and reputable repair providers
  • Guidance on eligibility for extended protection coverage after original purchase, when applicable

Contact Method

Details

Best For

Phone

(800) 905-0443

Speaking directly with a CPS representative

Web Chat

Home

Quick support and troubleshooting guidance

CPS Client Care Portal

https://client.cpscentral.com/

Claims, account access, and service support

Text Message

Text (347) 621-7180

Quick customer support questions

Facebook Messenger

http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService

General support and communication

Email

cs@cpscentral.com

Detailed questions and documentation

What Should You Know About Microwave Warranty Coverage?

Does a microwave warranty cover accidental damage like drops or spills?

No. Standard microwave warranties and most extended protection plans do not cover accidental damage, including drops, spills, or broken glass. Coverage is focused on mechanical and electrical failures from normal use.

What types of microwave repairs are usually covered under a protection plan?

Protection plans typically cover internal mechanical and electrical failures, such as magnetron replacement, control board failures, and door switch malfunctions, but not accidents or cosmetic issues.

Are broken microwave doors or glass trays covered by warranty?

Usually not. Damage to glass trays, interior glass, or doors from drops, impacts, or accidental mishandling is typically excluded as accidental or cosmetic damage.

Can I get accidental damage coverage for my microwave anywhere?

Accidental damage coverage for residential microwaves is generally not available. Most appliance plans focus on failures from normal use, not accidents.

Are refurbished or open-box microwaves eligible for protection?

Yes, many CPS protection plans support refurbished, open-box, and scratch-and-dent microwaves for covered mechanical or electrical failures, but accidental damage remains excluded.

What should I do if my microwave stops working after the warranty expires?

If your microwave has a mechanical or electrical issue after warranty expiration, CPS may be able to assist with repair referrals, troubleshooting guidance, or, if eligible, extended protection options.

Are built-in or smart microwaves handled differently for coverage?

Coverage for built-in or smart microwaves generally follows the same guidelines, with mechanical and electrical failures covered but accidental damage and cosmetic issues excluded. Repair complexity may be higher for built-in models.

What is the most expensive microwave repair after warranty expiration?

Based on CPS’s historical claims data, magnetron replacement and control board repairs are among the most expensive microwave repairs after warranty expiration.

Can I buy a protection plan after purchasing my microwave?

For some products, you may still be eligible to purchase a protection plan after your initial microwave purchase, depending on product age, condition, and eligibility rules. Coverage will not apply to pre-existing issues or accidental damage.

Looking for Warranty Coverage Options?

If you want to explore microwave protection options or have questions about coverage and eligibility, CPS support is available to help you review your choices.

For many homeowners, understanding what is and isn’t covered is just as important as the price of a protection plan. Accidental damage is a common concern after a dropped or broken microwave, but coverage is almost always limited to failures from normal use. As appliances age or if you’re considering long-term ownership, comparing potential repair costs with available protection options can help you make an informed decision. If you’d like help assessing your coverage options or need repair support, reach out to CPS for guidance tailored to your situation.