Things to Look Out for When Purchasing Kitchen Appliance Insurance

Kitchen appliance insurance can offer financial protection against unexpected appliance breakdowns - but not all policies offer the same level of cover. Before purchasing a policy, it’s important to understand the scope, conditions, and limitations of what’s included.

Below are 10 key things to consider before committing to a kitchen appliance insurance plan.

1. What Appliances Are Covered?

Not every policy includes the full range of kitchen appliances. Review your provider’s schedule of cover to confirm:

Which appliances are covered (e.g. oven, fridge Freezer, dishwasher, microwave, washing Machine, Cooker, hob and hood, washer dryer, tumble dryer)

Whether built-in and freestanding appliances are both eligible

If smaller appliances like kettles or toasters are included (these are often excluded)

Some providers, such as Smart Cover, offer options to tailor your plan by selecting specific appliances, subject to eligibility criteria.

2. Coverage Limits and Excess Fees

Policies usually have:

• A claim limit per item (e.g., £500–£1,000)
• A maximum number of claims per year
• An excess, which is the amount you pay towards each successful claim (commonly between £25 and £300)

Lower monthly premiums may be paired with higher excess amounts. Be sure to review this balance in the policy summary (IPID).

3. Waiting Periods Before You Can Claim

Most insurance policies have a waiting period (e.g. 14–30 days) from the policy start date before you’re eligible to make a claim. This helps prevent claims on pre-existing faults.

Always check the policy start date and waiting period clause before relying on cover.

4. Pre-Existing Conditions and Age Limits

Appliance insurance generally does not cover:

• Items that were faulty or damaged before cover began
• Appliances above a specified age limit (often 7–10 years)

Some providers may request proof that the appliance was in working order at the time of policy purchase. Always check the policy’s eligibility criteria.

5. Repair or Replace? Understand the Approach

Not all providers offer the same claims resolution method. Check:

• If unrepairable items are replaced like-for-like (usually subject to availability and appliance age)
• Whether the replacement is made in cash, voucher, or product value
• If repairs are prioritized before considering replacement

This can significantly affect your satisfaction in a real claim situation.

6. Proof of Purchase and Registration Requirements

You may be required to provide:

• A purchase receipt or invoice
• Appliance brand, model number, and serial number
• Proof that the appliance was registered with the insurer (in some cases)

Keep this documentation accessible in case of a future claim.

7. Who Carries Out Repairs?

Some insurers only allow claims to be fulfilled using their approved engineers or contractors. Using an unapproved repair service could invalidate your claim.

Confirm:

• Whether the insurer provides their own repair service
• If self-arranged repairs are reimbursed or excluded

8. Accidental Damage vs Mechanical Breakdown

Be aware that:

• Some policies cover only mechanical or electrical failure
• Accidental damage (such as drops, spills, or misuse) is usually an add-on or only included in specific plans

If accidental damage is important to you, ensure it is clearly listed in the plan features and is not subject to additional exclusions.

9. Multi-Appliance Discounts or Bundles

If you need to cover several appliances, check whether the insurer offers:

• Discounts for insuring multiple appliances
• Full kitchen cover or appliance bundles
• Optional add-ons for other electronics (e.g., TV, satellite box)

Be sure to compare the total cost vs. individual coverage limits across appliances.

10. Customer Support and Claim Handling Process

Before buying, it’s worth reviewing:

• How easy it is to file a claim (e.g., phone, online portal, app)
• Customer service ratings on platforms like Trustpilot or Google
• The average repair or replacement turnaround time

Always read the policy documents (IPID) and Terms & conditions carefully — including the exclusions and limitations. A low monthly premium may mean very restricted coverage or a frustrating claims process.

At Smart Cover we cover Mechanical Breakdown, Accidental Damage (Excluding Televisions) and Electrical Breakdown. Benefits of our cover include - expert claim handling team, UK based customer service, like for like replacement based on specification (subject to age of appliance at inception), pp to £500 claim limit per claim and fast claim settlement service.