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

A washing machine is one of those appliances we rely on every day until suddenly it stops working. Repair bills can quickly add up - think engineer callouts, parts, labour... it all adds up. That’s wherewashing machine insurancecomes in. But is it sensible? Smart Cover’s guide helps you decide. 

What Is Washing Machine Insurance? 

Washing machine insurance is a stand-alone or bundled cover that pays for: 

• Emergency call-outs (usually £60–£120 per visit) 
• Labour costs (often £70–£120/hour) 
• Costly replacement parts 
• Like‑for‑like replacements when repairs aren’t viable (up to £500 or Remaining claim limit) 

Under the FCA Consumer Duty: Putting Customers’ Needs First 

Smart Cover follows the FCA’s Consumer Duty rules to ensure our policies are fair, clear, and customer-focused. This means we: 

• Deliver fair value and never mislead 
• Communicate clearly - no jargon or hidden fees 
• Provide helpful customer support whenever you need it 

As a result and to the best of our knowledge, our washing machine cover is fairly priced, transparent, and supported by reliable engineers you can trust.  

Who Should Consider Washing Machine Insurance? 

• If you own a new or expensive washing machine, then yes - insurance is worth considering, as replacement costs can exceed £400.
• If you live in a family home and rely heavily on laundry, then yes - a breakdown can seriously disrupt your daily routine.
• If you want budget certainty, then yes - washing machine insurance can protect you from sudden, high repair costs, subject to any applicable excess.
• If you already have a manufacturer’s warranty, maybe - once the warranty expires, insurance can fill the coverage gap.
• If you rent a cheap, older machine, then no - the cost of the insurance may outweigh the value of the appliance.

If your machine is used daily, serves a family, or costs ranging more than £300, cover can pay for itself with just one claim. 

Compare: DIY Repair vs. Smart Cover Insurance 

DIY or pay per claim: 

• Call-out: £60  
• Labour + part(s): £200 
• Total: £260+ per incident 

Smart Cover plan: 

• Monthly premium: ~£8.49 - £20 
• Excess: £0 - £50  
• One claim often costs less than a single breakdown 

Even if you make just one claim a year, the policy is still worth it. Our engineers take care of everything from booking to diagnosis and repair so it’s hassle-free for you.

Data Sources & Disclaimer 

• Checkatrade – For average repair and call-out costs 
• MoneySavingExpert – For guidance on appliance cover and extended warranties 

Disclaimer: The figures and comparisons used in this blog are based on publicly available information from reliable sources. While Smart Cover believes the data to be accurate at the time of writing, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. 

What’s Covered & What’s Not Covered 

Smart Cover policies are designed to be clear and fair, in line withFCA rules against hidden terms & pricing. 

Covered: 

• Mechanical breakdown 
• Electrical breakdown 
• Cost of replacement parts 
• Labour and call-out 
• Accidental Damage 
• Up to £500 Claim Limit Per Claim 

Not covered: 

• Wear and tear (e.g., slow spin, minor deterioration) 
• Cosmetic damage (e.g., dents or scratches) 
• Pre-existing faults or malicious damage 
• Appliances over a specified age 

For more detail, read our full guide toHome appliance insurance terms & conditions  

How It Compares to Other Insurance 

• Extended warranties (offered at point-of-sale) mostly last 1–3 years, cost ~£50/year. But they only cover manufacturing faults. 
• Home insurance add-ons may help with appliance damage but often come with high excesses and claim limits. 
• Smart Cover appliance insurance offers long-term cover, as long as you do not choose to cancel, multiple appliances, and fair pricing - backed by FCA-regulated standards. 

Choosing the Right Policy 

Ask the following: 

How old is the machine? 

If over 7–8 years, policy may be restricted or more expensive.

What’s your budget? 

Estimate monthly premium + excess vs. typical repair bills. 

Are call-outs included at weekends? 

Emergency breakdowns often happen on weekends - check availability. 

What’s the claim limit? 

Ensure it matches cost of a new washing machine. 

Do you want multi-appliance cover? 

Our multi-appliance kitchen insurance bundles can reduce per-item cost

Step‑by‑Step: Claim with Smart Cover 

1. Sign up and register your machine's make/model 
2. Log a claim online or call 24/7 UK helpline 
3. Underwriter reviews and approves the claim 
4. Engineer visits usually within 48 hours  
5. Repair or replace based on diagnosis and policy terms 

Smart Cover Advantages 

• Clear policy wording, no small-print traps - aligning with FCA Guidelines 
• Fair premiums and value-based pricing 
• Nationwide vetted engineers 
• 24/7 customer support with fast turnarounds 
• Option to bundle appliances for cost savings 

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It? 

If your washing machine is essential, moderately new, and you'd rather avoid unexpected repair costs, then yes - washing machine insurance can be worth it. 

Look for: 

• Competitive pricing 
• Transparent terms and excess 
• Reliable call-out and repair service 
• FCA compliance (e.g., Smart Cover is regulated) 

If you're unsure, Smart Cover allows: 

• Flexible monthly plans 
• No‑obligation quotes 
• Easy cancellation in line with FCA guidelines 

Still Not Convinced? 

• Check manufacturer warranty duration and expiry 
• Get repair quotes to compare cost vs premium 
• Review other providers (see MoneySavingExpert’s guide, which also compares cover limits) 

Ready to Compare?

Explore more products: 

• Boiler breakdown insurance 
• Central heating cover 
• Home emergency insurance 

Want personalized advice or a quote for washing machine insurance? 

 Get a freequotefrom Smart Cover  

The information in this blog is sourced from what we believe to be reliable references, but Smart Cover does not guarantee its accuracy. We do not provide advice or product recommendations. Consumers should make their own informed decisions.