Is Washing Machine Insurance Worth It? Here’s the Breakdown

A washing machine is one of those appliances we rely on every day, until it suddenly stops working. Engineer call-outs, parts and labour can soon add up. That's wherewashing machine insurancecomes in. But is it worth paying for? This guide compares the real cost of repairs with the cost of cover, explains what is and isn't included, and helps you decide whether it suits your home.

What Is Washing Machine Insurance?

Washing machine insurance helps with the cost of repairing your machine if it breaks down suddenly because of a mechanical or electrical fault. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and if the machine breaks down, an approved engineer is arranged to repair it.

You can insure a washing machine on its own, or cover it with other appliances under onemulti-appliance policy. It isn't a maintenance plan, and it doesn't automatically replace your machine. If a repair isn't possible, any replacement contribution depends on the policy terms and the age of the machine.

Why Washing Machines Break Down

Washing machines are used more than almost any other appliance at home, so parts wear and fail over time. Common faults include:

• Drain pump faults that leave water in the drum
• Motor or motor brush faults that stop the drum from spinning
• Circuit board faults that stop the machine starting or cause it to stop mid-cycle
• Door seal or door lock faults that cause leaks or stop the door opening
• Heating element faults that leave you with cold washes
• Drum and bearing faults that cause banging, rattling or heavy vibration

Not every fault is covered. It depends on whether it's a sudden breakdown or something that has worn out gradually. For more on spotting problems, see our guide tocommon washing machine faults.

How Much Do Washing Machine Repairs Cost in the UK?

According toCheckatrade's April 2026 cost guide, washing machine repairs in the UK typically cost between £70 and £400, depending on the fault. Average costs for common repairs are:

Source: Checkatrade, April 2026. These are averages and costs vary by brand, model and region.

Checkatrade also notes that a washing machine usually lasts 7 to 12 years with regular maintenance, and that if a repair would cost more than half the price of a new machine, replacing it often makes more sense.

Insurance vs Paying for Repairs Yourself

Whether insurance makes sense depends on how your costs would compare over a year.

Paying for repairs yourselfmeans no ongoing cost, but a single breakdown could cost anywhere from around £70 for a simple part to over £300 for a new motor, plus the call-out fee.

With insurance,you pay a regular premium, and repairs are covered up to the claim limit, subject to the excess and exclusions. You also don't have to find and book an engineer yourself.

Washing machine insurance doesn't guarantee you'll save money. If your machine doesn't break down, you'll have paid premiums without claiming. Its value is in turning an unpredictable repair bill into a fixed, budgeted cost. Before you buy, compare a year of premiums, plus any excess, with what you'd realistically pay for a repair.

Who Should Consider Washing Machine Insurance?

It may be worth considering if:

• Your machine is out of its manufacturer's warranty but still under 10 years old
• You have a family or a busy household and use the machine every day
• A repair bill of a few hundred pounds would be hard to pay at short notice
• You prefer predictable monthly costs
• You'd rather have one number to call than find an engineer yourself

It may be less suitable if:

• Your machine is new and still covered by the manufacturer's warranty
• Your machine is 10 years old or more, as it won't be eligible
• The machine is cheap enough that you'd replace it rather than repair it
• You're comfortable paying for repairs from savings
• You rent and your landlord supplied the machine, as they're usually responsible for repairs

What Smart Cover's Washing Machine Insurance Includes

• Mechanical and electrical breakdown, with accidental damage where it's included in your policy
• Call-out, labour, parts and VAT, up to £500 per claim
• No limit on the number of claims in a policy year
• Machines under 10 years old when cover starts
• Claims while still under warranty: you can claim even if the manufacturer's warranty is still active
• Cover in mainland England, Wales and Scotland

Excess

• A £250 excess applies to a claim in the first 45 days of the policy
• After 45 days, there's no excess if the machine is under 6 years old
• After 45 days, a £40 excess applies if the machine is 6 years old or more

If your machine can't be repaired

A machine is classed as beyond economical repair if the repair would cost more than 70% of its value, the parts are no longer available, or it's unsafe to repair. Any contribution towards a replacement then depends on the machine's age when cover started:

Delivery, installation and removal of a replacement machine aren't covered.

What Isn't Covered

Washing machine insurance is for sudden breakdowns, not everyday upkeep. Common exclusions include:

• Wear and tear, rust and corrosion
• Faults that existed before the policy started
• Routine maintenance, such as cleaning filters or descaling
• Build-up of limescale, lint or debris
• Cosmetic damage, such as dents or scratches, that doesn't affect how the machine works
• Misuse, incorrect installation or not following the manufacturer's instructions
• Performance that's within the manufacturer's specification, such as noise, vibration, spin results or cycle length where there's no fault
• Faults caused by your water or electricity supply
• Machines used for business or commercial purposes
• Theft, fire and malicious damage
• Call-outs where no fault is found (the call-out charge is still payable)
• Repairs by engineers you've booked without approval

This isn't the full list. Always read thepolicy terms and conditionsbefore you buy.

Insurance vs Manufacturer and Extended Warranties

Home insurance usually covers damage from events like fire or flood, not a machine breaking down.

Choosing the Right Policy

When comparing washing machine insurance, ask:

• How old is the machine? Check the age limit and how age affects the excess and any replacement contribution.
• What's the excess? Look for a higher excess early in the policy.
• What's the claim limit? Compare it with the cost of a typical repair and a new machine.
• When are engineers available? Many appliance repairs are booked as daytime appointments on weekdays, so check how quickly visits are arranged.
• What's excluded? Pay attention to wear and tear, limescale and pre-existing faults.
• Do you have other appliances? A multi-appliance policy may be simpler than insuring each one separately.

How to Make a Claim

1. Report the fault. Call 03333 449 559, or claim online or through the Smart Cover app.
2. Phone diagnosis. The team will talk through the fault first, as some problems can be fixed over the phone.
3. Have your proof of purchase ready. It's needed to confirm the machine's age.
4. An engineer is booked. An approved engineer attends at a pre-arranged appointment, usually on a weekday.
5. Repair or replacement. Most faults are repaired. If the machine can't be repaired economically, the replacement rules above apply.

Don't book your own engineer without approval from the claims team first, as unauthorised repairs aren't reimbursed. If you pay monthly or quarterly, the rest of the year's premium becomes due when you make a claim. You can also visit ourmake a claimpage.

How to Avoid Breakdowns

Routine maintenance isn't covered by insurance, so looking after your machine helps it last longer and avoids claims being turned down:

• Clean the filter regularly and check pockets before washing
• Run an empty hot wash every month or so to clear residue
• Check hoses for cracks or leaks
• Don't overload the drum
• Use the right amount of detergent and go easy on fabric softener
• Leave the door open after a wash to let the drum dry out

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Washing machine insurance is most likely to be worth it if your machine is out of warranty but under 10 years old, you use it every day, and an unexpected repair bill would be hard to manage. It's less likely to be worth it for a brand-new machine still under warranty, or an older, cheaper machine you'd simply replace.

Compare a year of premiums and the excess with typical repair costs, check the age rules and exclusions, and read the policy documents before you decide. If it suits your home, you canget a washing machine insurance quotein a few minutes.

Disclaimer

This blog is for information only and should not be taken as advice. Repair costs are averages from Checkatrade and may vary. Cover is subject to eligibility, exclusions, excesses and claim limits. Please read the full policy terms and conditions and IPID before purchasing. Smart-Cover is a trading name of Smart-Cover Direct Limited (FRN 600428), which is an Appointed Representative of City and Commercial Limited (FRN 314346), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.