{"id":578271,"date":"2026-06-26T14:19:39","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T13:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=578271"},"modified":"2026-06-26T14:22:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T13:22:29","slug":"extended-warranties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/home-insurance\/home-appliance-insurance\/extended-warranties","title":{"rendered":"How to get an extended warranty"},"content":{"rendered":"

Household appliances never seem to break down at the right time, do they? Your washing machine inconsiderately decides to pack up a week before payday, while your fridge chooses to give up the ghost just before your guests arrive for the weekend.<\/p>

An extended warranty can help protect you from unexpected repair bills so you don\u2019t have to worry about desperately scrabbling round for the cash. But how do you get one and is it worth the cost?<\/p>

What is an extended warranty?<\/h3>

Most household appliances come with a standard manufacturer warranty that lasts 1 to 2 years and covers you if your appliance breaks down during this time (you\u2019ll usually need to register the product with the manufacturer to activate it).<\/p>

An extended warranty simply builds on this, meaning that repair costs will still be covered for another 2 to 4 years after the manufacturer\u2019s warranty has expired. An extended warranty might even offer extra cover for things like accidental damage. <\/p>

Where can I buy an extended warranty?<\/h3>

You can buy an extended warranty from the retailer or manufacturer at the time of purchasing your appliance. You can also buy one through a specialist third-party provider – there are some comparison sites that allow you to compare policies easily. <\/p>

Your warranty will typically cover mechanical and electrical breakdown, but as we\u2019ve mentioned, some policies also cover accidental damage. You can buy an extended warranty for a range of white goods including your fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, and tumble dryer. <\/p>

When considering whether to get an extended warranty, it\u2019s really important to check what isn\u2019t included in the policy so you don\u2019t get any nasty surprises later on. Common exclusions include cosmetic damage and delivery and installation costs if you need a new appliance. Not all policies cover parts and labour costs either. <\/p>

Some policies also impose time limits for the repair, so you might end up waiting four to six weeks before the appliance is repaired. That\u2019s not going to help you when your guests\u2019 arrival is imminent!<\/p>

When does it make sense to get extended warranty?<\/h3>

You might want to think about getting an extended warranty if your new appliance is expensive to repair or replace – think American-style fridge freezers, for example – or if you don\u2019t have much in the way of emergency savings. <\/p>

If the policy offers decent benefits such as unlimited repairs, quick call-outs or replacements if the appliance can\u2019t be fixed, you might also feel it offers value for money. <\/p>

Extended warranties can be useful for appliances that you use regularly too – for example, if you have a large family, the laundry pile never ends and you use the washing machine every day. <\/p>

When does extended warranty not make sense?<\/h3>

An extended warranty might be less valuable if the appliance is relatively cheap and you might end up paying more for the warranty than a replacement appliance. You might also feel it\u2019s not worth it if you have a decent pot of emergency cash saved up that you could use for any repairs or replacements if needed. <\/p>

Remember, too, that you\u2019ll initially be covered by the manufacturer\u2019s standard warranty, so it\u2019s worth checking how long this lasts. Some manufacturers offer longer warranties than the usual 1 to 2 years, while some retailers might add their own warranty on top of the manufacturer\u2019s.<\/p>

In addition, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 already gives you some protection. It states that white goods and other appliances must be:<\/p>