Motor burnout cover

Motor burnout cover is a benefit typically offered as an optional extra with home and contents insurance policies. It covers the repair and replacement costs when the motor of an electrical appliance in your home is damaged due to an electrical current or a power surge.

This damage is also commonly known as electrical burnout or fusion damage. Some policies with motor burnout may also cover the cost of replacing food spoilage if your fridge or freezer breaks down.

Always read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the full details of insured events, exclusions and cover limits. The Target Market Determination (TMD) may also help you determine if the policy is right for your circumstances.

Some exclusions from motor burnout cover may include:

• General wear and tear
• Physical breakage to the appliance
• Damaged switches, fuses and lighting or heating elements
• Malicious damage or vandalism that may cause an electrical fault.

There are several things that could cause electrical burnout or fusion damage, including:

• Overheating from damaged insulation and lack of ventilation
• Power surges and overloading from brownouts, lightning strikes and other voltage fluctuations
• General wear and tear from environmental conditions, age and poor maintenance.

Some ways you could help prevent motor burnout in your appliances may include:

• Hiring a professional to perform routine maintenance on motors
• Ensuring all appliances with motors are in well-ventilated areas
• Purchasing surge protectors for your appliances
• Unplugging appliances during storms.

• Refrigerators and freezers
• Microwaves
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Air conditioners
• Vacuums
• Fans
• Pool pumps
• Motorised garage doors.

• Appliances over a certain age
• Appliances under warranty
• Appliances used for business purposes
• Televisions (typically a standard inclusion of contents insurance)
• Computers and laptops (typically covered by portable contents cover)
• Submerged or underground motors.

If an appliance breaks down due to an electrical current or power surge, the repair or replacement costs could be expensive. Adding cover for electric motor burnouts to your policy could give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to break the bank in these instances.

If motor burnout isn’t included as a standard benefit in your home insurance policy, adding it to your cover will typically increase your overall premium. The amount it increases will vary between policies and providers, and depends on the appliances in your home you’re looking to cover.

If you already have a policy, you may be able to add motor burnout to your cover by contacting your insurer directly or updating your policy on your provider’s online portal.

If you’re looking to purchase a policy from an insurer that offers motor burnout cover, you may find one in just minutes through our comparison service.