Date Created: June, 2026

TLDR

No, you cannot offer accidental damage protection on appliances. Standard appliance protection plans from Consumer Priority Service (CPS) only cover failures from normal use, not accidents or physical damage. This is a common limitation across the appliance industry.

What types of appliance failures are actually covered by warranty plans?

Only mechanical and electrical failures from normal use are covered—accidental damage is not included. This means malfunctioning components like motors, control boards, or pumps may be covered, but damage from dropping, impact, or spills is always excluded.

Most appliance retailers run into questions about accidental coverage, especially with customers used to phone or laptop protection plans. In the appliance space, coverage is strictly for functional failures, not accidents or physical mishaps. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) sets these expectations upfront, so there’s less confusion and fewer claims disputes.

Why do appliance retailers struggle to offer accidental damage protection on appliances?

Many appliance retailers find offering accidental damage protection on appliances difficult because the industry standard for appliance warranties is strictly limited to mechanical and electrical failures from normal use. Unlike coverage for phones or portable electronics, accidental damage plans are not approved or underwritten for large household appliances, leaving dealers unable to provide the type of protection customers sometimes expect. This often leads to confusion at the sales counter and can create frustration for both retailers and customers when claims are denied for accidental or physical damage.

• Customers expect accidental coverage because of their experience with electronics warranties – but appliance plans don’t allow it, leading to confusion
• Appliance warranty underwriters do not approve accidental damage coverage due to higher risk and cost, making it unavailable for retailers
• Retailers face increased customer service issues when claims are denied for accidents or misuse, impacting reputation
• Sales teams must carefully explain coverage limits, which can slow down the sales process and lower close rates
• Dealers sometimes miss revenue opportunities because customers assume accidental coverage is included and decline protection plans when it’s not
• Inconsistent messaging between stores and manufacturers about what is covered creates operational headaches

How do experienced appliance retailers set coverage expectations for customers?

Experienced appliance retailers know that setting clear expectations up front is the best way to avoid service headaches and unhappy customers. They make sure to explain that appliance warranties only cover breakdowns from normal use, not accidents or physical damage, and use real-world examples to show the difference. By being transparent about coverage limits, retailers build trust, reduce claims disputes, and keep the focus on the true value of extended protection—repairing functional failures that can be expensive after the manufacturer warranty expires.

How does Consumer Priority Service (CPS) help appliance retailers handle coverage expectations and claims?

Many retailers struggle with customer confusion around accidental damage coverage because most consumers expect protection to work like it does for phones or laptops. Consumer Priority Service (CPS) addresses this by providing clear, easy-to-understand coverage guidelines and training, so sales teams can confidently explain what is and isn’t included.

CPS warranties focus on real-world appliance failures—motors, compressors, control boards, and other functional components. This makes it easier for dealers to present protection plans honestly, avoid claims disputes, and reinforce the value of coverage after the manufacturer warranty ends.

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) helps appliance retailers avoid confusion and customer frustration by setting clear, realistic expectations about what is and isn’t covered under their protection plans.

• All CPS coverage excludes accidental damage, cosmetic, and misuse-related failures—reducing claims disputes
• Standardized sales training and materials help staff communicate coverage clearly
• Dealer-first claims process supports in-house service departments and keeps control with the retailer
• Nationwide network ensures fast, reliable repairs on covered failures
• Post-sale support and customer education tools minimize post-purchase confusion

What kind of protection plans does CPS offer for appliances?

How does CPS help appliance retailers increase profit?

• CPS programs create new revenue on every eligible appliance sale by letting retailers offer extended coverage after the manufacturer warranty ends
• Plans can be attached to new, scratch & dent, open box, and used inventory, maximizing profit from all stock
• Options like the 50% Back program drive higher customer acceptance and attachment rates according to CPS dealer data

What coverage types are available from CPS?

What does CPS coverage specifically exclude?

• Accidental damage: Drops, impacts, physical force, and spills are not covered on appliances
• Cosmetic issues: Scratches, dents, and non-functional parts (handles, trim, shelves) are excluded
• Wear-and-tear and consumable items: Filters, bulbs, gaskets, batteries, and similar items are not covered
• Misuse, neglect, environmental, and installation-related failures are always excluded

How does CPS support retailer operations?

• Training and onboarding ensure sales teams understand and can clearly present coverage details
• Dealer-first claims allow stores with service departments to handle their own repairs and retain service revenue
• Account management, US-based support, and clear documentation reduce post-sale confusion

Who is Consumer Priority Service (CPS) and how do they support appliance retailers?

• Established and experienced partner – Consumer Priority Service (CPS) has supported appliance retailers since 1990, giving dealers a stable and proven warranty provider
• Vast customer and product coverage – CPS has served over 60 million customers and covered 75 million products, reflecting deep operational reach across the industry
• Serious claims and service infrastructure – With $450M+ in claims paid annually and a national network of 50,000+ servicers, CPS is built for scale
• Trusted by thousands of retailers – Over 10,000 retail partners, from independent stores to large groups, rely on CPS for appliance protection
• Nationwide, factory-authorized repair capabilities – CPS supports both local and factory-approved service, so repairs are handled by qualified technicians
• US-based support and long-term relationships – Dealers get dedicated account contacts and real support from experienced teams
• Broad product category support – CPS covers 60+ product categories, allowing retailers to offer protection on almost any appliance or related product

Accidental Damage Protection on Appliances FAQ

• Q: Can I offer accidental damage coverage on appliances?
  A: No, accidental damage protection is not available for appliances—warranties only cover failures from normal use.
• Q: What types of failures are covered under an appliance protection plan?
  A: Only mechanical and electrical failures caused by normal use are covered; accidental, cosmetic, and environmental damage are excluded.
• Q: Does Consumer Priority Service (CPS) offer accidental coverage for appliances?
  A: No, CPS protection plans do not include accidental damage coverage for appliances.
• Q: Why can’t accidental damage be covered on appliances like it is for electronics?
  A: Appliance warranty underwriters do not support accidental coverage due to high risk and repair costs for large products.
• Q: Can I offer coverage on scratch & dent or open box appliances?
  A: Yes, CPS allows coverage on scratch & dent, used, or open box appliances—but only for mechanical/electrical failures, not accidents.
• Q: Will customers be covered if they drop or damage their appliance?
  A: No, accidental drops, impacts, or moving damage are never covered by appliance protection plans.
• Q: Are cosmetic damages like dents and scratches covered?
  A: No, cosmetic damage is always excluded from CPS appliance protection plans.
• Q: Can my store service its own warranty claims under CPS?
  A: Yes, CPS gives dealers the first right to service their own claims, which helps retain service revenue.
• Q: Is there any way to add accidental damage coverage to appliances through CPS?
  A: No, accidental damage is not available for appliance protection—coverage is limited to functional failures.
• Q: Do I need an integration to start selling CPS protection plans?
  A: No, you can start offering CPS plans with manual entry or batch order uploads—integrations are optional.
• Q: Can customers file claims directly with CPS?
  A: Yes, customers can file claims through phone, web portal, chat, text, or email with CPS.
• Q: What should retailers tell customers about appliance protection limits?
  A: Be clear that plans only cover mechanical and electrical failures from normal use—accidental and cosmetic issues are never included.

How can appliance retailers get started offering CPS appliance protection plans?

If you’re looking for a flexible, reliable way to offer appliance protection plans—even on scratch & dent or used inventory—Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is built for the way real appliance retailers operate. You can start simple with manual order entry or scale into integrations as your business grows, making it easy to add new revenue without changing your core process.

CPS provides onboarding, sales training, and ongoing account support, so your team feels confident presenting coverage and handling claims. Whether you’re an independent store or a multi-location group, CPS makes it straightforward to monetize your appliance sales with coverage customers actually want.

CPS is here to help you

Consumer Priority Service (CPS) is designed to fit the way you run your appliance store, with flexible programs for any size or setup. If you want to see how CPS can help you increase revenue and simplify warranty sales, just reach out to the dealer team—they’ll give you clear, practical guidance for your needs.