Washing Machine Brokem Insurance Claim: Insurance Coverage and Home Warranty

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A black cat with yellow eyes sits inside a washing machine drum, looking outward.
Credit: pexels.com, A black cat with yellow eyes sits inside a washing machine drum, looking outward.

If you've recently had your washing machine break down, you may be wondering if you have insurance coverage to help with the repair or replacement costs. Many homeowners have a home warranty that can provide financial protection against unexpected appliance failures.

Home warranties typically cover the cost of repairs or replacement for major appliances, including washing machines, up to a certain amount. The average cost of a home warranty can range from $300 to $1,000 per year, depending on the provider and coverage level.

If you have a home warranty, it's essential to review your policy documents to understand what is covered and what is not. Some home warranties may have specific exclusions or limitations for certain types of appliances or repairs.

Washing Machine Insurance Claim

If you've made a washing machine insurance claim, you'll need to provide proof of purchase and installation.

Typically, this involves providing a receipt or invoice from the store where you bought the machine, as well as proof of installation from a qualified technician.

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Credit: youtube.com, Insurance Cover Water Damage - Washing Machine Hose?

You'll also need to explain the circumstances surrounding the damage or breakdown, including any maintenance or repairs you've had done on the machine.

Most insurance policies require you to report the incident within a specific timeframe, usually 30 days or less.

The insurance company will then assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs or replacement, which may be covered under your policy.

Leaking Washing Machine

A leaking washing machine can be a nightmare, especially if it's caused by a malfunctioning water connection hose. This is the most common reason for severe claims, and it can happen even when you're not at home.

If you come home to find a flood in your home, don't panic. The longer a leak goes on, the more water damage it will cause. A typical water damage claim involves several main components, including the First Notice of Loss (FNOL) and remediation.

Most claims involving washing machines stem from the water connection hose malfunctioning, which can cause up to 500 gallons per hour of water to flood your home. It's essential to leave the home and call a professional immediately to prevent electrocution and further damage.

Machine Leaking

Credit: youtube.com, Top-Load Washer Leaking Water — Top-Load Washing Machine Troubleshooting

An accident where your washing machine is leaking is not uncommon in the insurance claims world. Many homeowners have accidents and water damage claims due to a water driven appliance not working or having a malfunction.

Most claims involving washing machines stem from the water connection hose malfunctioning. This is the hose that attaches to the water source to fill up your washing machine. If the hose breaks, comes loose or otherwise malfunctions, you can be in for a water damage claim.

A sudden leak from your washing machine, like one that happens when you're out for the day, is likely to be covered by your home insurance policy. Your policy will likely cover the clean-up of any water damage in this case.

Most home insurance policies exclude coverage for water damage that is caused by an ongoing leak. If your washing machine has been leaking slowly for several months, you may have a denied claim on your hands.

Additional reading: Not at Fault Insurance Claim

If My Insurance Covers Leaking?

Credit: youtube.com, Fix a Leaking Washing Machine (escape MASSIVE repair bills!!)

Most home insurance policies cover water damage in a few instances, including sudden and accidental discharges. This means that if your washing machine is leaking due to a sudden and accidental issue, your insurance policy might cover the damage.

However, if the leak is caused by a maintenance problem and has been happening slowly over time, your insurance policy will likely not cover the damage. It's essential to review your policy to understand what's covered and what's not.

In general, home insurance policies cover water damage related to storms, such as hailstorms that break a skylight and cause water to pour into your kitchen. But if the damage is caused by a faulty washing machine, you'll need to check your policy to see if it's covered.

If there's coverage for the damage, your insurance company will propose a settlement to pay for the repair or replacement of damaged property. This settlement will be made up of the cost to repair the damage minus any deductible.

White Front Load Washing Machines
Credit: pexels.com, White Front Load Washing Machines

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

  • Water damage related to a storm is usually covered by home insurance policies.
  • Water damage related to a sudden and accidental discharge, such as a washing machine leak, may be covered if the leak was sudden and accidental.
  • Slow leaks caused by maintenance problems are usually not covered by home insurance policies.

Out of Pocket Costs if Your Roof is Leaking

You'll still have some out of pocket costs even if your insurance policy covers the resulting water damage from a leaking roof. Your deductible will be one of the costs you'll need to pay.

You may also be responsible for repairing or replacing the roof itself, depending on what happened to it. It's unlikely that your policy will cover the roof's maintenance or replacement.

You'll need to review your insurance policy to see what's covered and what's not. This will give you a clear understanding of what you'll need to pay out of pocket.

Insurance Coverage

Home insurance policies cover water damage in a few instances, including damage from a storm or a sudden and accidental discharge. This means if your washing machine is leaking due to a sudden and accidental issue, your insurance policy might cover the damage.

Man in Blue Floral Shirt and Blue Denim Jeans Sitting on Blue Top Load Washing Machine
Credit: pexels.com, Man in Blue Floral Shirt and Blue Denim Jeans Sitting on Blue Top Load Washing Machine

A sudden and accidental discharge includes damage that occurs if your washing machine is leaking, but only if the leak happened suddenly and was accidental. If the leak is due to a maintenance problem and has been ongoing, your policy will most likely not cover the damage.

Here are the instances when your home insurance policy would apply:

  • Water damage related to a storm
  • Water damage related to a sudden and accidental discharge

Appliance Repair Coverage

Appliance repair coverage can be a lifesaver when your washing machine or other appliances break down. Home insurance policies typically cover appliance repair or replacement if the damage is caused by covered perils, which may include fire, lightning, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and certain types of water damage.

Your policy may have specific perils listed, so it's essential to review your policy documents. Named perils policies specifically list the perils covered, while all-risk policies cover all perils except those specifically excluded.

Appliance repair coverage can be affected by the age and condition of the appliance. If an appliance breaks down due to age or lack of maintenance, it may not be covered. Maintenance and wear-and-tear issues are typically the homeowner's responsibility.

Silver Front Load Washing Machines
Credit: pexels.com, Silver Front Load Washing Machines

Some insurance policies may offer additional coverage options, such as home warranties or equipment breakdown coverage, which can provide more comprehensive protection for your appliances.

Here are some common appliance-related issues that may be covered under a home insurance policy:

  • Sudden and accidental water discharge (e.g., a washing machine leak)
  • Fire or lightning damage
  • Theft or vandalism
  • Falling objects
  • Certain types of water damage (e.g., storm-related water damage)

Keep in mind that each policy is unique, and it's crucial to review your policy documents to understand the specific details of your coverage.

Homeowners Insurance and Leaks Coverage

Homeowners insurance policies typically cover water damage from sudden and accidental discharges, such as a washing machine leak. However, if the leak was caused by a maintenance problem, like a slow leak for six months, your policy may not cover the damage.

In general, home insurance policies cover water damage related to storms, but not from maintenance-related issues. A sudden and accidental discharge, like a washing machine leak, may be covered, but only if the leak was unexpected.

If your washing machine is leaking due to a water supply hose break, your insurance policy will likely cover the damage. This is because the hose can pump out up to 500 gallons per hour, causing significant water damage.

Modern Bathroom with Washing and Dryer Machines
Credit: pexels.com, Modern Bathroom with Washing and Dryer Machines

To make a claim, you'll need to file a First Notice of Loss (FNOL) with your insurance company, which is usually done over the phone. This report will help your insurance company understand the extent of the damage.

The remediation process may involve sending a team to remove the water and dry out your home. This process should start as soon as possible to minimize further damage.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when it comes to leaks coverage:

  • Water damage from sudden and accidental discharges, like a washing machine leak, may be covered.
  • Leaks caused by maintenance problems, like a slow leak for six months, may not be covered.
  • Storm-related water damage is usually covered by home insurance policies.
  • File a First Notice of Loss (FNOL) with your insurance company to start the claims process.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a type of protection plan that shields you against unexpected expenses arising from the malfunction or breakdown of essential appliances, like your washing machine.

It's essentially a safety net that helps you avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Homeowners or renters select a plan that includes coverage for their washing machine, along with other essential appliances.

The process of getting a home warranty begins with choosing a suitable plan from various options offered by home warranty companies.

A home warranty can be a lifesaver in today's fast-paced world, where a reliable washing machine is not just a convenience but a necessity.

Why Choose a LHG Plan with Home Warranty?

An adult man pours detergent into a washing machine for doing laundry indoors.
Credit: pexels.com, An adult man pours detergent into a washing machine for doing laundry indoors.

Imagine having to load up your dirty laundry and take it to a laundromat because your washing machine broke down unexpectedly. That's a hassle you can avoid with a Liberty Home Guard (LHG) plan that includes washing machine home warranty.

You'd save time and effort by calling LHG's customer service team at (866)-225-7958 to request a service call. A technician will examine the machine and determine if it's repairable or needs replacing.

A service call fee of around $75.00 is all you'd pay after purchasing the Home Warranty plan. That's a small price to pay for the convenience of having a working washing machine.

LHG's washing machine coverage includes repairs or replacement of your washing machine unit, including key components like the water level switch and water inlet valve, water temperature switch and lid switch, and brakes and clutch assembly.

Here's a breakdown of what's covered under LHG's washer machine coverage:

  • Water Level Switch and Water Inlet Valve
  • Water Temperature Switch and Lid Switch
  • Brakes and Clutch Assembly
  • Timer, Sequencer, Control Board, Touchpad
  • Actuator, Drive Basket, Motor and Power Supply
  • Agitator and Pump Coupling
  • Electrical Parts, Gas Parts, and more

With a LHG plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're protected against unexpected washing machine breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are washing machines covered by insurance?

Yes, washing machines are covered by Budget Direct Home and Contents Insurance in the event of storm damage or impact at home. However, it's worth noting that flood cover is optional and may require additional purchase.

What is accidental damage to a washing machine?

Accidental damage to a washing machine occurs when it's damaged due to an unexpected incident, such as being dropped or exposed to liquid. Examples include a washing machine being knocked over or water spilled into it.

Vanessa Schmidt

Lead Writer

Vanessa Schmidt is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise has led to the creation of articles on a wide range of topics, including Wells Fargo credit card information, where she provides readers with valuable insights and practical advice.

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