Does a home warranty cover washer and dryers?
Check washer and dryer coverage to avoid costly surprises later.
+1 more
It’s probably safe to say that you don’t like washing your clothes by hand and then hanging them to air dry. So when your washer or dryer breaks down, you want it fixed fast, with as little out-of-pocket expense as possible. Home warranties usually cover washer and dryer repair and replacement costs, but there are some things you should know.
Home warranty base plans usually cover washers and dryers.
Jump to insightSome limitations and exclusions can get your claim denied.
Jump to insightYour policy may have a cap on the expenses the warranty will cover.
Jump to insightWhat washer and dryer services does a home warranty cover?
It can cost between $150 and $500 to repair a washing machine and $50 to $800 to repair a dryer. Luckily, most home warranty companies offer coverage for the mechanical parts, switches, doors, knobs and handles on washers and dryers. This includes parts and labor costs for the repair or replacement of the washer or dryer.
Potential exclusions to washer and dryer home warranty coverage
While your home warranty probably covers the repair or replacement of your washer and dryer, your contract has stipulations. Here are some things that may get your claim denied:
- Your contract doesn’t cover a particular part of your washer or dryer.
- The damage isn’t due to normal wear and tear.
- You tried to fix the washer or dryer yourself and damaged it.
- The damage is cosmetic.
- Installation was improper.
- Your washer or dryer is still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- An “act of God” (like flooding or fire) caused the damage to your appliance.
- Your washer or dryer is professional-grade.
Your policy may also have coverage caps. That means the company will pay up to a certain amount to repair or replace your washer or dryer, and then you have to pay for the rest. This number is particularly important to know if you have high-end appliances since the costs for these washers and dryers can be much higher than with lower-end appliances. Be sure to check your home warranty contract to determine the terms and conditions for your washer and dryer.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover washers and dryers
If you find out that your home warranty won’t cover your particular problem, there may be a few solutions. First, check to see if your appliance is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If an “act of God,” like a flood or a storm, caused the damage, your home insurance may pay to replace the washer or dryer. You may also be able to upgrade to a higher-tiered package with your home warranty company to get washer and dryer coverage.
FAQ
What does a home typically warranty cover?
Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVACs, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. Some plans also cover additional items like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.
Do washers and dryers come with a warranty?
Most come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The company’s website should have a tool for looking up your appliances’ warranty details using the serial and model numbers.
How long do washers and dryers last?
Washers and dryers tend to last around 12 years.
Bottom line
Home warranties often cover washers and dryers, which can be a lifesaver when unexpected issues arise. These warranties typically include repair or replacement of these appliances due to mechanical failures or breakdowns.
However, it's important to review the specifics of your warranty contract to understand the extent of your coverage and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
