Home Appliances Insurance 2025: Do You Need It? What’s Covered, Costs, and Smart Tips for UK Homes

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Thinking about home appliances insurance? Here’s your guide: what it covers, costs, pros and cons, how it compares to warranties, and smart tips to protect your fridge, washing machine, oven, and more.

Home Appliances Insurance

Introduction

When a washing machine floods on a Sunday or your fridge fizzles out before a holiday, the repair bill can sting. Home appliances insurance promises peace of mind—quick fixes or replacements for your kitchen and laundry essentials. But is it worth it? What’s really covered, and how does it stack up against extended warranties or your home insurance? Here’s your up-to-date guide for UK households in 2025.

What Is Home Appliances Insurance?

Home appliances insurance (sometimes called appliance cover or white goods insurance) is a policy that covers the cost of repairing or replacing household appliances if they break down unexpectedly. It’s designed for big-ticket items like washing machines, fridges, freezers, ovens, dishwashers, and sometimes smaller gadgets like microwaves or coffee machines.

What Does It Cover?

Typically covered:

Mechanical and electrical breakdown (parts and labour)
Accidental damage (sometimes—check your policy)
Call-out charges and engineer visits
Replacement if the appliance is beyond repair (often with a like-for-like model)
Some policies cover both built-in and freestanding appliances

Not usually covered:

Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents)
Pre-existing faults or wear and tear
Appliances over a certain age (often 8–10 years)
Appliances not regularly serviced or maintained
Loss or damage from fire, theft, or flooding (these are usually covered by home contents insurance)

What Appliances Can You Insure?

Washing machines & tumble dryers
Fridges & freezers (including American-style)
Ovens, hobs, and cookers
Dishwashers
Microwaves
Boiler and central heating systems (sometimes separate cover)
Smaller gadgets (coffee machines, blenders, vacuum cleaners—check policy)

Tip: Some providers let you cover all your appliances under a single plan (multi-appliance cover), while others insure each item individually.

How Much Does Home Appliances Insurance Cost?

Single appliance: £5–£12/month for a major item (e.g., washing machine)
Multi-appliance cover: £15–£25/month for 5–10 appliances (better value if you have several)
Annual premiums: Often slightly cheaper than monthly, but check cancellation/refund terms

Excess: Many policies have a call-out or repair excess (£25–£75 per claim).

Discounts: Look for no-claims bonuses, multi-appliance discounts, or bundle deals with boiler/central heating cover.

Home Appliances Insurance vs. Extended Warranty vs. Home Insurance

Cover Type	What’s Included	When to Use
Appliances Insurance	Breakdown, repairs, some accidental	After manufacturer warranty ends; for peace of mind on older items
Extended Warranty	Breakdown, repairs (from retailer/brand)	Often overlaps with manufacturer warranty; may be restrictive
Home Contents Insurance	Theft, fire, flood, accidental damage	Major events, but not mechanical breakdown

Key point: Home insurance rarely covers breakdowns—so if your fridge just stops working, you’ll need insurance or pay out-of-pocket.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Peace of mind: No big surprise bills for repairs or replacements
Fast repairs: Many providers offer 24/7 helplines and quick engineer call-outs
Covers older appliances (within age limits)
Multi-appliance discounts

Cons:

Cost can add up—especially if you rarely claim
Exclusions: Age limits, lack of accidental cover, must maintain appliances
May overlap with existing warranties or home insurance
Some claims may be rejected for “wear and tear” or maintenance issues

What to Look for in a Policy

Appliance age limit: Are your appliances eligible?
Excess per claim: How much will you pay each time you claim?
Accidental damage: Is it included, or just breakdowns?
Replacement terms: Like-for-like, new-for-old, or refurbished?
Response time: How quickly do they send an engineer?
Parts/labour included: Any limits or exclusions?
No-claims bonuses or discounts: For staying claim-free

How to Make a Claim

Check your policy: Make sure the fault is covered and the appliance is eligible.
Contact the insurer: Use the helpline or online portal—have your policy number and appliance details ready.
Book an engineer: Most insurers arrange a visit; some may ask for photos or a fault description.
Repair or replacement: If repairable, the engineer fixes it; if not, you may get a replacement (or a voucher).

Tip: Keep receipts and serial numbers for all covered appliances—this speeds up claims.

Is Home Appliances Insurance Worth It?

Worth considering if:

Your appliances are out of manufacturer warranty, but not very old (usually under 8–10 years)
You rely on key appliances daily (e.g., family with one washing machine)
You want to avoid unexpected bills or hassle

Might not be needed if:

Your appliances are covered by new warranties or you have a robust emergency fund
You’re happy to “self-insure” (save what you’d pay in premiums)
Your appliances are near end-of-life (may not be eligible for cover)

Money-Saving Tips

Bundle appliances for multi-cover discounts
Compare policies—don’t just auto-renew
Check if your bank account or home insurance includes any appliance cover
Maintain your appliances (regular cleaning, descaling, filter changes) to avoid rejected claims
Read the small print—know what’s excluded

FAQs

Q: Can I insure second-hand appliances?
A: Some insurers allow it if you have proof of purchase and the appliance is within the age limit.

Q: Will insurance cover accidental damage?
A: Sometimes, but not always—check your policy. Some only cover breakdowns.

Q: Do I need receipts?
A: Usually yes, especially for claims or if you have a multi-appliance policy.

Q: What if my appliance can’t be repaired?
A: Most policies offer a like-for-like replacement or a voucher to buy a new one.

Q: Can I cancel anytime?
A: Most policies allow cancellation, but check for any fees or minimum terms.

Conclusion

Home appliances insurance can be a smart safety net—especially as warranties expire and repair costs rise. It’s not for everyone, but if you depend on your fridge, washing machine, or oven and dread surprise breakdowns, it offers real peace of mind. Compare policies, read the small print, and weigh the monthly cost against your risk. With the right cover, you’ll be ready for whatever laundry day (or dinner time) throws your way.

Home Appliances Insurance