Microwave coverage in home warranties almost always refers to built-in microwaves, not countertop units.
Built-in microwave (over-the-range unit, wall-mounted unit) — typically covered in comprehensive plans. These are installed appliances, permanent, and expensive to replace ($300-$800+ installed).
Countertop microwave — NOT covered. These are portable appliances, not permanently installed, and replacement costs $50-$200 at retail. No home warranty company covers countertop microwaves.
Cosmetic damage — door cracks, scratches, discoloration.
Interior liner — damaged interior walls.
Light bulbs — consumables, not covered.
Turntable glass plate — accessories, not covered.
Over-the-range microwave replacement: $300-$600 installed. Service fee: $65-$125.
The math generally works in the consumer’s favor for magnetron or control board failures (repair: $150-$400). For complete unit replacement covered under the warranty, the service fee + company-supplied unit is usually a good deal.
The microwave must have a genuine mechanical failure — not sparking from debris inside (clean it first), not a bulb out (replace it), not a turntable that wobbles (adjust it). Actual failures: won’t start, displays error code, magnetron isn’t heating, door won’t latch properly (mechanical failure of the latch, not the door itself).