Washer Dryer Insurance
That's There When Breakdown Strikes
A combined washer dryer is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, and one of the costliest to repair. Washer dryer insurance cover from Smart Cover protects it against mechanical breakdown, electrical faults, and accidental damage.
- Mechanical & electrical breakdown
- Accidental damage cover
- Multi-appliance discounts up to 30%
- Like-for-like replacement
- Monthly or annual billing
- Cancel anytime
FCA-authorised provider · No long-term lock-in
Washer dryer insurance cover pays towards repairing or replacing your combined washing machine and tumble dryer if it suffers a mechanical breakdown, electrical breakdown or accidental damage. Because a washer dryer packs two functions into one drum, it's mechanically more complex than a standalone washing machine, so Smart Cover sends an engineer from its UK-wide network to diagnose the fault, and contributes towards a like-for-like replacement, up to £500 per claim, if it can't be economically repaired.
Cover more, save more.
Discount applies automatically at checkout.
Choose your Appliance
Washing Machine
Washer Dryer
Tumble Dryer
- Fast Claim Settlement
- Up to £500 Claim Limit Per Claim
- Mechanical Breakdown
- Electrical Breakdown
- Accidental Damage
- Any Pre-Existing Faults
- Routine Maintenance
- Manufacturer’s Defect
- Deliberate Damage
- Pre-Owned Or Second-Hand Items
- Delivery, Installation And Removal Of Faulty Appliance
Important Documents
Add to cart
Your cart is empty. Start adding appliances to get a quote.
The More You Cover, the More You Save
Protect your washer dryer alongside your other appliances and save automatically. One policy, unlimited appliances, discounts applied at checkout.
5 appliances for the price of 4
Protect 5 appliances for just £23.99/month, that's one cover free. Ends 20 November 2026.
Discounts apply automatically at checkout. Pay monthly or annually. Prices include all relevant taxes; terms and conditions apply.
What's covered and what's not
What's covered
- Mechanical breakdown: drum motor, drum bearings, agitator, water pump, and door latch failures
- Electrical breakdown: control board, heating element, thermostat, wiring faults, and ignition failures
- Accidental damage: unintentional physical damage that causes the appliance to stop functioning correctly
- Parts and labour: all repair parts and engineer labour costs are covered up to the claim limit
- Like-for-like replacement: if the appliance is beyond economical repair, we contribute towards an equivalent replacement
- Fast claim handling: report by phone, live chat, or email; UK-based team available Mon to Sat
What's not covered
- Pre-existing faults: any fault or damage present before the policy start date
- Routine maintenance: drum cleaning, filter clearing, descaling, or general servicing
- Manufacturer defects: faults covered under a manufacturer's warranty or recall
- Deliberate damage: intentional misuse or abuse of the appliance
- Second-hand appliances: pre-owned or second-hand appliances aren't covered
- Installation & removal: delivery, installation, or removal costs for a replacement unit
*Like-for-like replacement is based on the specification of your original washer dryer and is subject to its age at policy inception. Full details are in your policy terms and IPID.
The washer dryer parts cover protects
When one of these fails through a covered breakdown, an engineer can repair or replace the part, subject to your policy terms.
Drum motor & bearings
Drives and supports the drum. Worn bearings or a failed motor cause loud noise or a seized drum.
Water pump
Drains water from the machine. A blocked or failed pump leaves clothes sitting in standing water.
Heating element
The most common washer dryer fault. When it burns out, clothes come out wet and cold.
Control board
Can fail due to power surges or moisture, making programmes unresponsive.
Door seal & latch
A torn seal causes leaks; a broken interlock stops the machine starting at all.
Thermostat
Controls temperature during washing and drying. A fault can cause overheating or poor drying.
Washer dryer faults we can help with
These are the breakdowns UK households search for most. If a covered fault causes any of these, an engineer can diagnose it.
Failed heating element
The single most common washer dryer fault. When the heating element burns out, clothes come out wet and cold.
Worn drum bearings
A loud rumbling or grinding during spin usually means drum bearings have worn. Left unrepaired, it can cause the drum to seize completely.
Water pump failure
A blocked or failed water pump stops the machine from draining, leaving clothes in standing water.
Control board failure
Electronic control boards can fail due to power surges or moisture ingress, making programmes unresponsive.
Door seal or latch
A torn door seal causes water leaks; a broken door interlock prevents the machine from starting at all.
Thermostat fault
A faulty thermostat means the appliance overheats during drying or can't maintain the right temperature for washing.
What a washer dryer repair can cost
Most faults appear once the manufacturer's guarantee has ended, right when the bill lands on you.
Typical repair & replacement costs
A typical UK washer dryer repair call-out including parts, depending on the fault.
The cost of replacing a mid-range combined washer dryer if yours can't be economically repaired.
What cover gives you
Per claim towards repair or a like-for-like replacement, spreading the risk into an affordable regular payment instead of a large one-off bill.
Get your quoteCost figures are typical UK ranges for general guidance and will vary by appliance, fault, brand and location.
Simple ways to prevent breakdowns
A little care keeps your washer dryer running smoothly and helps avoid the faults that lead to a claim.
Clean the door seal
Wipe the rubber door seal after use to stop mould and grime building up around it.
Don't overload the drum
Overloading strains the motor and bearings and stops clothes drying evenly.
Use the right amount of detergent
Excess detergent can clog the pump and cause water to drain poorly.
Clean the filter and pump trap
A blocked filter is a common cause of poor draining and pump failure.
Leave the door ajar after use
Helps the drum dry out and reduces the risk of mould and musty smells.
Don't ignore unusual noises
A grinding or rumbling sound is often an early sign of worn bearings.
Want the full routine? Read our guide on keeping your home appliances safe all year round.
Cover your whole laundry & kitchen
Add your washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, or fridge freezer to the same policy and save up to 30% automatically.
Why cover your washer dryer with Smart Cover
Price Match Promise
Find equivalent cover cheaper elsewhere within 14 days? We'll aim to match the price, subject to our Price Match Terms.
UK-Based Support Team
Our customer service team operates from the UK, available Mon–Fri 9am–6pm and Sat 10am–4pm for claims and queries.
Fast Claim Settlement
We move quickly because a broken washer dryer means no clean clothes. Our aim is to get an engineer to you as soon as possible.
FCA-Authorised Provider
Smart Cover Insurance Services is a trading name of Smart-Cover Direct Limited, an appointed representative of City and Commercial Limited (FRN 314346), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Bundle & Save
Add your washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, or fridge freezer to the same policy and save up to 30% automatically.
How a washer dryer claim works
Report a fault by phone, live chat or email, and we'll take it from there.
Get Covered
Select your washer dryer brand and age, choose monthly or annual billing, and your cover starts immediately.
Report the Fault
Call 03333 449 559, use our live chat, or email us. Our UK-based team will log your claim and book an engineer.
Engineer Visit
A vetted UK engineer visits at a convenient time to diagnose and repair the fault, parts and labour included.
Fixed or Replaced
We repair your washer dryer using quality parts. If beyond economical repair, we contribute to a like-for-like replacement.
Claims team available Mon–Fri 9am–6pm and Sat 10am–4pm. An excess may apply depending on the appliance's age and policy terms.
We cover the brands in your home
From everyday makes to premium names, cover for a broad range of washer dryer manufacturers.
Award-winning cover for UK homes
An FCA-authorised provider of home emergency and appliance insurance, protecting UK homes since 2013 and winner of the 2019 Broker Innovation Award.
Flexible cover
Cover just your washer dryer, or add more appliances for a bigger discount.
Price Match Promise
Find the same level of cover cheaper elsewhere? We'll match it within 14 days, no questions asked.
Rated "Excellent"
Trusted by thousands of UK households, with strong independent reviews.
Speak to a Cover Expert
Not sure which policy is right for your washer dryer? Our UK-based insurance experts are happy to explain the cover in plain English, no jargon, no pressure.
- UK-wide engineer network
- Up to £500 per claim per appliance
- Multi-appliance discounts up to 30%
Washer Dryer Insurance Cover in the UK: Everything You Need to Know
What Is Washer Dryer Insurance?
Washer dryer insurance is a specialist appliance protection policy that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your combined washing machine and tumble dryer when it breaks down. Unlike standard home contents insurance, which typically only covers accidental damage, washer dryer insurance also covers mechanical and electrical breakdown, the most common reasons a washer dryer stops working.
Smart Cover's washer dryer insurance covers your appliance from the day you take out a policy, provided there are no pre-existing faults at the time of purchase.
What Is the Difference Between a Washer Dryer and a Washing Machine?
A washer dryer combines washing and drying in a single drum, making it ideal for flats, smaller homes, and utility rooms where space is limited. A washing machine only washes clothes; a separate tumble dryer is needed for drying. Because washer dryers perform two functions in one machine, they are mechanically more complex, and when they break down, repairs are typically more expensive than a standalone washing machine or tumble dryer.
How Long Do Washer Dryers Last?
The average lifespan of a washer dryer in the UK is 7 to 10 years, depending on usage frequency, brand quality, and how well the appliance is maintained. For a household doing 5 or more wash loads per week, lifespan typically falls towards the lower end of that range. The most common faults, worn bearings, failed heating elements, and control board issues, tend to develop between years 3 and 6. This is the period when insurance cover delivers the greatest financial protection.
Is Washer Dryer Insurance Worth It?
For most UK households, yes. A typical engineer call-out for a washer dryer repair costs £100 to £200 including parts, and replacing a mid-range washer dryer costs £400 to £900. Spreading that risk into an affordable regular payment can mean the policy pays for itself after a single repair. The value is especially clear once your manufacturer's warranty expires, usually after just 1 to 2 years, leaving you fully exposed to repair costs without specialist cover.
Washer dryer insurance is particularly worth considering if:
- Your appliance is out of its manufacturer's warranty
- Your household relies heavily on the machine (5+ wash cycles per week)
- You could not easily afford an unexpected repair or replacement bill
- You rent your property and cannot request landlord assistance for appliance repairs
- You have other appliances that can be bundled for a greater multi-appliance discount
Washer Dryer Insurance vs Extended Warranty
Extended warranties are sold at the point of purchase and typically last 2–5 years, covering the same faults as the original manufacturer's warranty. They rarely include accidental damage and often come with significant restrictions on approved repairers and part availability. Smart Cover washer dryer insurance, by contrast, covers mechanical and electrical breakdown and accidental damage, can be taken out at any time for appliances up to 10 years old, and gives you access to a UK-wide network of approved engineers.
Can Landlords Take Out Washer Dryer Insurance?
Yes. If you provide a washer dryer as part of a furnished rental property in England, Scotland, or Wales, Smart Cover appliance insurance is available to protect the appliance against breakdown costs. This helps landlords avoid unexpected repair bills and ensures tenants have a working appliance. For broader property protection, Smart Cover also offers dedicatedLandlord Coverfor home emergencies including boiler, plumbing, and drainage.
Washer Dryer Insurance and Home Contents Insurance: What's the Difference?
Standard home contents insurance covers your belongings against theft, fire, and flood damage. Most policies do not cover mechanical or electrical breakdown of appliances. Some contents policies include accidental damage as an optional add-on, but this does not extend to general wear and breakdown. Smart Cover washer dryer insurance is purpose-built to cover the gap, protecting you specifically against breakdown events that contents insurance will not pay out for.
Related Cover
Key Policy Documents
Get covered in under 2 minutes. No long-term commitment required.
Get a QuoteFrequently asked questions
What does washer dryer insurance cover?
Smart Cover washer dryer insurance covers mechanical breakdown (drum motor, pump, bearings), electrical breakdown (heating element, control board, thermostat, wiring), and accidental damage. Parts and labour are included up to the £500 per claim limit. Pre-existing faults, routine maintenance, and deliberate damage are excluded.
How much does washer dryer insurance cost?
Washer dryer insurance cover is priced per appliance. Insuring 3+ appliances on one policy earns 20% off, 5+ earns 25% off, and 7+ earns 30% off, applied automatically at checkout with no code required.
Is washer dryer insurance worth it?
Yes, for most households. A washer dryer repair call-out in the UK costs £100 to £200 including parts, and replacing the appliance costs £400 to £900. Spreading that risk into a regular payment can mean Smart Cover typically pays for itself after a single repair. It is especially valuable once the manufacturer's warranty expires (usually after 1 to 2 years), when breakdown costs fall entirely on the owner.
Does washer dryer insurance cover the heating element?
Yes. A failed heating element is the most common washer dryer fault, and it is fully covered under Smart Cover's electrical breakdown cover. Both the replacement part and the engineer's labour are included within the £500 per claim limit.
Can I insure a washer dryer that is 5 years old?
Yes. Smart Cover insures washer dryers up to 10 years old. For appliances 5 years and older, cover may be limited to repair-only or a reduced contribution towards replacement, depending on the age of the appliance at the time the policy starts. Pre-owned items are not eligible.
How do I make a washer dryer insurance claim?
To claim, call Smart Cover on 03333 449 559 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm), use the live chat at smart-cover.co.uk, or email enquiries@smart-cover.co.uk. Our UK-based team will assess the claim and arrange for a qualified engineer from our UK-wide network to visit your property.
How long do washer dryers last?
On average, washer dryers last 7–10 years in UK households. With heavy use (5+ loads per week), this can shorten to 5–7 years. The most common faults develop between years 3 and 6, making insurance cover most financially valuable during this period of the appliance's life.
What is the claim limit for washer dryer insurance?
Smart Cover's washer dryer insurance has a claim limit of up to £500 per claim. If the repair cost exceeds this or the appliance is deemed beyond economical repair, Smart Cover will contribute towards a like-for-like replacement based on the appliance's age and specification at the time the policy was taken out.
Can I cover multiple appliances on one policy?
Yes. Smart Cover lets you insure an unlimited number of appliances under one policy. The more appliances you add, the greater the discount: 20% off for 3+, 25% off for 5+, and 30% off for 7+ appliances. The discount is applied automatically at checkout with no code required.
What are the best washer dryer insurance policies available in the UK?
Options include manufacturer extended warranties, retailer protection plans and specialist appliance insurers. When comparing, check the claim limit, the excess, whether accidental damage is included, the age limit for appliances, what happens if the appliance can't be repaired, and whether the provider is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Smart Cover appliance insurance covers breakdown and accidental damage, up to £500 per claim, including the call-out, labour, parts and VAT, with unlimited claims and discounts when you cover several appliances. Comparison sites can help you compare prices and features.
