How Does Home Appliance Insurance Work?

Appliances are the unsung heroes of modern life — we don’t think about them much until they stop working. When your washing machine won’t spin, your fridge stops cooling, or your oven breaks down right before dinner, it can cause a lot of stress and expense. 

Home appliance insurance is designed to help take the pressure off when these breakdowns happen. It gives you access to help with repairs or, in some cases, replacements — depending on your policy. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through how appliance insurance works, what it covers (and what it doesn’t), and why it might be a good fit for your home. 

What Is Home Appliance Insurance? 

Home appliance insuranceis a policy that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing essential household appliances when they fail due to mechanical or electrical issues. 

Without cover, these services can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. Here's what Smart Cover can help cover — and what you might pay without insurance: 

• Engineer call-out charges — These typically cost between £60 and £120 per visit, depending on urgency and time of day. 
• Labour costs — Most repairs involve at least one hour of labour, which can range from £75 to £120 per hour, not including parts. 
• Replacement parts — Faulty components can cost anywhere from £50 to £250+, depending on the appliance and the nature of the breakdown. 
• Like-for-like replacements — If your appliance is beyond repair and your policy covers it, a replacement can otherwise cost £250 to £600 or more, depending on the item (e.g., fridge, washing machine, oven). 

With Smart Cover, these costs are typically included in your policy (subject to terms and claim limits), leaving you to pay only your selected excess — which can be as low as £0, depending on your chosen plan. 

This type of insurance is different from a general home insurance policy or a manufacturer warranty. It focuses on specific appliances and protects you from sudden, unexpected breakdowns, not from ongoing wear and tear or routine maintenance. 

What Appliances Can You Cover? 

AtSmart Cover, you can choose to insure individual appliances or opt for a multi-appliance plan — which is often more cost-effective. Below are some of the most commonly covered household appliances, along with the typical costs you might face without insurance: 

Washing machines: 

Repair costs:£120 to £180depending on the fault 

Replacement cost:£350 to £500 

Call-out charges:£60 to £100 

Dishwashers: 

Repair costs:£100 to £150 

Replacement cost:£300 to £450 

Call-out charges:£60 to £100 

Fridges and freezers: 

Repair costs:£150 to £250, especially for compressor or cooling system issues 

Replacement cost:£400 to £600 

Call-out charges: £80 to £120 

Ovens, hobs, and cookers: 

Repair costs: £80 to £120for common issues like heating element failure 

Replacement cost:£250 to £400 

Call-out charges:£60 to £100 

Microwaves : 

Repair costs:£70 to £110 

Replacement cost:£150 to £250 

Call-out charges:£50 to £80 

By insuring these appliances with Smart Cover, you can avoid these common expenses. Instead of paying hundreds of pounds out of pocket, you'll only need to cover your chosen excess — often starting from as little as £0 — depending on your plan. 

Whether you're protecting just one appliance or your entire kitchen, Smart Cover offers flexible plans to suit your home and your budget. 

How Does It Work? 

Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens when you take out appliance insurance with Smart Cover. 

1. Pick a Plan 

Choose the plan that suits you best. We offer monthly and annual policies, with options for single or multiple appliances. 

2. Register Your Appliances 

Once you're signed up, we’ll ask for a few details about your appliances — like the brand and model number. This helps us speed up the process if something goes wrong. 

3. Need a Repair? File a Claim 

If one of your appliances breaks down, you can report it online or over the phone. Our team will review the issue and get the process started. 

4. We Send a Qualified Engineer 

We’ll arrange for one of our approved technicians to come out and take a look. Most of the time, they can carry out the repair during the first visit — depending on parts availability. 

5. If It Can't Be Fixed, We’ll Look at Replacing It 

If your appliance is beyond repair and your policy allows it, we may arrange a like-for-like replacement, subject to the terms of your cover. 

What’s Not Usually Covered? 

It’s important to know that appliance insurance has limits and exclusions, like any other insurance product. It’s not designed to fix every problem, and it won’t cover every appliance. 

Common exclusions include: 

• Cosmetic damage (like scratches or surface dents) 
• Damage from misuse or unauthorised repairs 
• Faults that existed before the policy started 
• Appliances over a certain age 
• General wear and tear or gradual breakdown 

We always recommend reading the fullterms and conditionsbefore buying a policy so you know exactly what you’re covered for. 

Is Appliance Insurance Worth It? 

It really depends on your situation. If you rely heavily on your appliances and want the peace of mind of knowing you won’t have to suddenly shell out hundreds of pounds for a repair, it could be a smart move. 

Here’s what many of our customers like about Smart Cover: 

Save Money on Unexpected Costs 

Repairs can be expensive — appliance insurance helps you manage those costs and avoid nasty surprises. 

Access to Professional Engineers 

We work with experienced, qualified engineers who know what they’re doing. 

Flexible Options 

Cover one item or your whole kitchen — our plans are designed to work around your needs. 

No Hidden Charges 

We keep things clear. Many of our standard plans have no excess and no hidden fees — though it’s always best to check your individual policy. 

See why we’re one of theTop-Rated Appliance Insurance Providersin the UK   

How Smart Cover Is Different from Other Insurers 

Not all appliance insurance providers offer the same level of service. Smart Cover stands out by combining transparent pricing with flexible cover options. We offer zero-excess plans, multi-appliance bundles, and clear terms so you know exactly what to expect. Our 24/7 UK-based support team guarantees fast, friendly help, and our nationwide network of vetted engineers ensures prompt repairs. Many customers choose us for our straightforward claims process, lack of hidden fees, and the reassurance that comes from FCA regulation and oversight. 

Who Might Find It Useful? 

Appliance insurance might be a good fit for: 

• Homeowners with multiple essential appliances 
• Landlords who want to reduce maintenance stress 
• Tenants who own high-value personal appliances 
• Busy families who rely on working appliances every day 

If you'd rather not worry about what to do (or pay) when something breaks, appliance cover offers support when you need it most. 

Real-Life Scenarios Where It Can Help 

• Your fridge breaks down overnight and you risk losing all your food 
• Your washing machine stops working right before a holiday 
• Your oven fails the day before guests arrive 

While these are just examples, these types of breakdowns do happen — and being covered can save time, stress, and money. 

Final Thoughts 

Skipping appliance insurance might seem like a way to save money, but in reality, it can leave you exposed to high repair bills, unexpected call-out fees, and avoidable stress when things go wrong. Whether it’s protecting a single washing machine or your entire kitchen setup, investing in appliance cover can offer long-term peace of mind and financial protection. 

Don’t wait for a breakdown to realise the true cost of being unprotected. Consider Smart Cover’s appliance insurance today to safeguard your home, your appliances, and your budget. 

Get a No-Obligation Quote 

Interested in appliance insurance? Learn more about our plans or get a personalisedquote