Appliance insurance

Peace of mind for everyday essentials

Appliance insurance is a simple way to cover the cost of repairing or replacing household devices when they break down unexpectedly. It usually steps in after the manufacturer warranty and Consumer Rights Act protections have ended. For many UK households, this cover can prevent a sudden fridge failure or washing machine breakdown from turning into an expensive emergency.

Across Britain, appliance ownership keeps rising. The UK household appliances market is worth around $10.94 billion in 2025, with smart and energy-efficient models increasingly common. As technology advances, repair costs can be higher, and specialist parts may take longer to source. This is one reason global appliance insurance is expanding - forecast to more than double by 2035. At home, the UK gadgets insurance segment is growing at more than 10% a year, with London showing higher uptake due to dense gadget ownership and higher disposable incomes.

Insurance is not a catch-all. It will not cover every fault or older items beyond age limits, and it will not prevent wear and tear. But it can provide structured protection against sudden mechanical or electrical failure, accidental damage, and in some cases theft, helping you plan costs instead of facing large one-off bills. This guide explains how cover works, where the limits are, and the practical steps to choose a policy that fits your home and budget.

Insurance can offer real financial protection, but only when you understand what is covered - and where the gaps are.

What is covered in practice

Most policies start where manufacturer warranties end, and often allow cover up to an appliance age of 8 to 10 years. Standard inclusions focus on mechanical or electrical breakdown, parts and labour for repairs, and replacement when a repair is uneconomic. Many UK insurers now also include accidental damage as standard or as an add-on, and some extend to theft for portable appliances.

Claims usually start with online or phone triage. You will be asked for the model, serial number, proof of purchase, and a description of the fault. Insurers typically send an approved engineer to diagnose and repair. If repair is not viable, they may offer a replacement of a similar specification or a settlement towards one. There will usually be an excess - the amount you pay towards each claim - and a maximum claim limit per item or per policy year.

There are clear limitations. Pre-existing faults, cosmetic damage, negligence, and wear and tear are commonly excluded. Age limits can apply both at the start and during the policy, and some brands or very high-end devices may require a specialist policy. Combined home contents policies may cover theft or accidental damage but often exclude mechanical breakdown, which is why standalone appliance cover can fill that gap.

A simple example: your four-year-old washer-dryer stops mid-cycle. Contents insurance will not usually cover a breakdown. With appliance insurance, an engineer visit and parts may be covered after your excess, and a replacement offered if the repair cost exceeds the appliance value. This clarity is what many households value.

Who benefits most - and when to skip it

Appliance insurance can be particularly useful for households with multiple essential devices, such as a fridge-freezer, cooker, boiler-linked controls, washing machine, and dishwasher, where a single failure would disrupt daily life. Younger urban households with newer tech and smart appliances often value comprehensive cover, reflecting wider UK trends. If you rely on connected devices - for example, a smart oven or integrated fridge - the cost of parts and call-outs can make insurance appealing.

It may be less necessary if your appliances are very new and fully covered by manufacturer warranties, or if you have a strong emergency fund and are comfortable self-insuring for repairs. Low-value, older items nearing 8 to 10 years may not be eligible or may cost more to cover. If you have premium home insurance with accidental damage and an extended warranty from the manufacturer, check for duplication before you buy.

Choosing your level of protection

1. Basic cover - breakdown only

   • Covers mechanical or electrical failure after the manufacturer warranty. Engineer call-out, parts, and labour included. Excess typically lower, but no accidental damage or theft. Suitable for essential white goods.

2. Standard cover - breakdown plus accidental damage

   • Adds accidental damage caused by drops, knocks, or spills. Often includes new-for-old replacement up to a limit when repair is not viable. Good balance for most households with a mix of appliances.

3. Premium cover - broader risks and higher limits

   • Extends to portable appliances and, in some cases, theft. Higher single-item limits, faster response times, and optional cover for smart or integrated devices. Best for high-spec or connected homes.

4. Multi-appliance plans

   • One policy for several items, usually with tiered pricing. Often more cost-effective than separate policies, especially for households with three or more insured appliances.

5. Optional add-ons

   • Accidental damage (if not included), theft for portable items, food spoilage for fridge-freezers, engineer priority, and extended cover for smart device connectivity faults. Check whether add-ons increase excess or adjust claim limits.

Tip: Match the excess to your likely repair costs. A low premium with a high excess might not be cost-effective for mid-range appliances.

Cost, pricing and what drives premiums

Prices vary by provider and are not guaranteed. In general, older appliances cost more to insure, urban postcodes - particularly London - may be slightly higher due to higher service costs and theft risk for portable items, and higher cover limits will increase premiums. Market growth and higher repair costs for smart devices are also influencing pricing across the UK.

Can you apply - and what insurers check

Most UK residents aged 18 or over can apply, provided the appliance is in good working order at the start of cover and within the insurer’s age limit, commonly 8 to 10 years. Insurers may require the make, model, serial number, proof of purchase, and confirmation that the item is used for domestic purposes at your home address. For integrated or smart devices, some may ask for installation or manufacturer documentation.

Common reasons for decline include pre-existing faults, items already under an extended warranty that duplicates cover, commercial use, or appliances beyond the age or value limit. Some high-value premium brands may need separate approval or a higher excess. Being transparent at application helps avoid issues at claim time and supports fair outcomes under FCA standards.

From quote to claim - the simple route

1. Get a quick quote online by entering make, model, and age.
2. Compare cover levels, limits, and excess to fit your budget.
3. Review key exclusions and confirm your appliance is eligible.
4. Buy the policy and receive documents by email for safe keeping.
5. For a fault, report the issue promptly via the claims portal.
6. An approved engineer diagnoses and repairs, subject to your excess.
7. If uneconomic to fix, agree a like-for-like replacement or settlement.

Balanced view - benefits and trade-offs

Key checks before you commit

Before buying, read the policy wording carefully. Confirm what counts as a breakdown, the single-item limit, and the maximum payable per policy year. Note the excess for different claim types, as accidental damage or theft may have a different excess from breakdown. Check waiting periods for new policies, particularly for accidental damage, and whether claims in the first 14 to 30 days are restricted. Understand renewal pricing - introductory discounts can change at renewal. Make sure you have proof of purchase and serial numbers recorded, and confirm whether cover applies only at your home address. If you already have an extended warranty or enhanced contents insurance, compare the benefits to avoid paying twice for the same protection.

Alternatives worth considering

1. Extend the manufacturer warranty - suitable for newer, high-value appliances still within the original warranty window.
2. Home contents insurance with accidental damage - may cover drops and spills, but rarely mechanical breakdown.
3. Emergency home cover - useful for boilers and central heating, but typically excludes standard appliances.
4. Self-insurance fund - set aside savings for repairs and replacements if you prefer to avoid monthly premiums.
5. Retailer service plans - convenient at point of sale, but compare cost, limits, and repair networks.

FAQs

Q: Will appliance insurance cover wear and tear? A: No. Wear and tear, cosmetic damage, and pre-existing faults are usually excluded. Policies focus on sudden mechanical or electrical failure and accidental damage where included.

Q: Can I insure older appliances? A: Many insurers set age limits, often 8 to 10 years at the start of cover. If your item exceeds this, you may be declined or offered cover with restrictions and a higher excess.

Q: Is theft included? A: Theft is sometimes included for portable appliances or as an add-on. Fixed white goods are rarely covered for theft. Check definitions and proof requirements before relying on this benefit.

Q: How does this differ from contents insurance? A: Contents policies can cover theft and accidental damage, but they usually exclude mechanical breakdown. Appliance insurance is designed to cover breakdowns and repairs, often with faster engineer support.

Q: Are smart appliances more expensive to insure? A: Often yes. Connected devices can have higher repair costs and specialist parts. Insurers may price accordingly and may require proof of proper installation or software updates.

What to do next

If appliance insurance looks useful, compare a few UK policies side by side. Check eligibility, limits, excess, and engineer response times, then choose the level of cover that matches your household. Take your time, read the documents, and only proceed if the value makes sense for your budget and appliances.

Important note

This guide provides general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms vary by insurer, including cover limits, excesses, and exclusions. Always read the full policy wording and Key Facts document before you buy, and keep copies of all documentation for your records.