What is home appliance insurance?

How does home appliance insurance work?

Home appliance insurance works by offering protection against sudden mechanical or electrical failures of household appliances. If an appliance covered under your policy breaks down, you simply contact your insurer, who will arrange for a repair or, if necessary, a replacement. Some policies also provide 24/7 helplines, which can be particularly useful in an emergency.

For example, if your washing machine breaks, your insurer will typically send a qualified engineer to assess and fix the problem. You may need to pay an excess towards the claim, but the rest should be covered, saving you out-of-pocket expenses.

What does appliance insurance cover?

Most domestic appliance insurance policies cover mechanical and electrical faults that happen after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. This can include:

• Washing machines
• Fridge-freezers
• Ovens and cookers
• Dishwashers
• Tumble dryers
• Microwaves
• TVs and entertainment systems
• Some policies may also include boilers and kitchen appliances

Typically, policies cover parts, labour, and call-out charges. Some may even offer replacement appliances if repairs aren’t possible.

Common policy exclusions

While home appliance insurance can offer valuable protection, it’s important to understand the limits. Many policies exclude:

• Cosmetic damage like scratches, dents, or wear and tear
• Pre-existing faults or problems that existed before the policy started
• Appliances over a certain age
• Damage caused by misuse, neglect, or commercial use
• Routine maintenance or servicing costs

Always read the small print carefully before buying a policy.

Do I need insurance for my home appliances?

Whether appliance insurance is right for you depends on your household and budget. If you have newer appliances that are still under warranty, you may not need additional cover. However, if you own several appliances or rely on older items that could break down at any time, insurance could save you from unexpected repair costs.

If an essential appliance like your fridge stopped working tomorrow, could you afford to replace it without financial stress? If not, appliance insurance might offer valuable peace of mind.

Does my home insurance cover my appliances?

Many people assume that home insurance protects their appliances, but standard home contents insurance typically only covers them against specific risks like fire, flood, or theft, not breakdowns or faults.

For example, if your TV is stolen in a burglary, your contents insurance may help. But if your washing machine suddenly stops working due to a fault, that’s where appliance insurance comes in. Some policies, like home emergency cover, may help in certain situations, but for most breakdowns, you’ll need dedicated appliance insurance.

What to look for in a domestic appliance insurance policy

Here’s what to check before you buy appliance insurance:

• Appliances covered – Does the policy include all the items you need?
• Limits and payouts – Are there caps on how much you can claim per repair, per appliance, or per year?
• Excess fees – Will you need to contribute towards the cost of each claim?
• Age restrictions – Are there rules about the age of your appliances?
• Exclusions – Look for what’s not covered, such as accidental damage or wear and tear.
• Response times – Does the policy offer 24/7 assistance or same-day repairs for urgent issues?