Does Home Warranty Cover Washers?

Protect Your Washer with a Home Warranty: Coverage, Costs, and Benefits

Washing machines are among the most frequently used appliances in any home—and also one of the most prone to technical or operational issues. When they break down, repairs typically range from $125 to $400 per incident. Over time, just a few breakdowns could cost nearly as much as replacing the machine altogether.

Fortunately, washers are often included in standard home warranty plans. This article covers what washer-related components are typically included, how to file a claim, what to look for in a warranty provider, and how ARW Home helps protect one of your most essential appliances.

Why Washer Coverage Matters in a Home Warranty

According to a Whirlpool survey, American households with children aged 3–18 do seven loads of laundry or more a week. If you live alone or with a partner, that number might be lower—but the washer is still one of the most frequently used appliances in any home.

How Washers Work

To understand how much stress washers undergo with regular use, it helps to know what happens behind the scenes. After you load the clothes and add detergent, the washer senses the size of the load and determines the optimal water level and detergent amount needed for cleaning.

Each cycle begins with the water inlet valve filling the drum. Then, the motor powers the agitator or impeller to move clothes and loosen dirt. After the wash, the machine drains the dirty water, refills to rinse the clothes, drains again, and then spins at high speed to remove excess moisture. All of this is managed by internal components like the control board, belts, pulleys, hoses, and suspension system working in sync.

Why Breakdowns Are Common—and Costly

A well-maintained washer should last between 7-15 years. But with so many moving parts under constant pressure, they are highly prone to wear and tear—sometimes just a few years after purchase.

Worn belts, failed motors, leaking pumps, or control board issues are among the most common (and expensive) problems that can bring your machine to a halt.

Repairs can set you back several hundred dollars per incident, not including service call fees. And if a replacement is needed, you could be looking at $1,000 or more. A couple of unexpected breakdowns can quickly chip away at your household budget.

How a Home Warranty Protects Your Wallet

This is where a home warranty proves its value. For a small monthly fee, you can get coverage for multiple appliances—including your washer, dryer, and refrigerator. If your washer breaks down due to a covered issue, you can file a claim with your provider, who will cover the repair or replacement costs. You’ll only be responsible for a low service call fee.

For one of the most frequently used appliances in your home, warranty coverage provides both convenience and peace of mind. See which major appliances are typically covered. 

What’s Typically Included in a Home Warranty Coverage Plan

Most home warranty plans pay for repair and replacement costs for washer breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear.

For example, if your washer’s pump wears out after years of regular use, your warranty may cover the repair or replacement cost.

What’s Covered

Washers are made up of multiple mechanical and electrical components. The exact items covered by a warranty will vary slightly depending on your provider, but generally include critical mechanical and electrical components responsible for filling, draining, washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles—such as motors, pumps, belts, control boards, and related parts.

What’s Not Covered

However, home warranties don’t cover everything. Common exclusions are cosmetic damage, failures caused by improper installation or maintenance, pre-existing conditions, and certain removable accessories like soap dispensers or filter screens.

ARW Home’s Washer Coverage: What Homeowners Need to Know

ARW Home offers two comprehensive home warranty plans in which washing machines are included for coverage: Platinum and Platinum Premier. Once your plan is active, your policy safeguards critical washer components that commonly experience wear and tear from regular use.

Washer-related Covered Items under ARW Home’s Plans are:

• Motor
• Water level switch
• Water inlet valve
• Water temperature switch
• Drive belt
• Agitator
• Drive basket
• Pump coupling
• Brakes
• Clutch assembly
• Timer
• Sequencer
• Control board
• Power supply
• Touch pad
• Lid switch and actuator
• Wigwag
• Boot seal
• Related electrical components

How ARW Home Protects Your Washer

The umbrella of covered parts is wide enough to protect most of the mechanical and electrical systems inside your washer. So in the event of a malfunction, you won’t have to worry about how you’ll cover the repair bill.

All you have to do is file a claim and pay a flat service call fee. There’s no need to research contractors or stress over unexpected labor charges—we handle all that for you.

How to File a Claim if Your Washer Breaks Down

If your washer suddenly stops working, ARW Home makes it simple to get help fast. Here’s how the claims process works—step by step:

1. File a Claim: You can file a claim for a covered appliance by calling 888-508-8886 or through the form found under the “Claims” tab on our website. You’ll need to provide your basic information along with a brief description of the issue you’re facing (e.g., washer not draining properly or displaying error codes).
   
   
2. Pay Your Service Call Fee: Each time you file a claim, you’ll pay a predictable, flat-rate service call fee of $125. This fee grants you access to a licensed technician without the need to shop around or negotiate pricing.
   
   
3. Technician Dispatched: ARW Home will assign a local, licensed service provider to diagnose and repair the issue—typically within 24–48 hours from when you file a claim. In emergency situations, ARW Home strives to dispatch help as soon as possible.
   
   
4. Option to Use Your Own Technician: You’re allowed to use a technician of your choice, provided you notify us first and obtain authorization prior to any repairs being performed.
   
   
5. Repair: Once the technician arrives at the agreed-upon time, they’ll assess the issue and inform us of the diagnosis to make sure it’s covered by your policy. If it is, they’ll go ahead and repair or replace the washer.

Cost and Timeline

• Service fee Only: If the issue is covered, you’ll only pay the flat service call fee. Your policy will cover parts and labor up to the plan’s $500 annual limit per appliance.
• Older Appliance Replacement: If your washer is over 10 years old and the repair cost exceeds that limit—or if replacement parts are unavailable—you may qualify for a $300 cash replacement allowance. This cash replacement benefit increases by $50 for each additional year you remain an ARW customer, up to a maximum of $500.
• Repair Timeline: Most washer claims are resolved within a few days, though timing can vary depending on parts availability and the severity of the issue.

Comparing Appliance Coverage Plans: What to Look For

Not all home warranty plans are created equal. When evaluating plans, consider the following key factors to ensure you select the best home warranty for your needs:

1. Coverage Limits

Every plan has limits on how much it will pay per year, per appliance, and per system. The industry standard for total annual coverage is around $5,000, which is also what ARW Home offers.

Be sure to also check the service contract terms for per-appliance limits, especially if your washer is older. In many cases, replacement is more practical than repair—especially if the manufacturer no longer makes compatible parts. Some home warranty providers offer cash replacement allowances for aging appliances, which can be a valuable benefit when repairs are no longer feasible.

2. Customer Service Availability

Our support and claims team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, but not all home warranty providers operate that way. Emergencies don’t wait for business hours—so it’s important to choose a provider that’s reachable on evenings, weekends, and holidays when you need them most.

3. Service Fees and Response Time

Every home warranty company charges a service request fee each time you file a claim. Be sure to verify that the fee is flat (not variable) and falls within your budget. Also, ask how long it typically takes to send a technician. A faster response time can make all the difference when your washer is down and laundry is piling up.

4. Bundle Plans That Include Both Washer and Dryer

Your clothes washer and dryer aren’t the only appliances at risk of failure. Look for a plan that offers bundle protection—covering multiple major appliances and home systems (like your refrigerator, built-in microwave, cooktop, water heater, and HVAC systems) under one monthly fee. 

Protect Your Washer with a Home Warranty

Washing machines are essential to daily life, and when they break down, the repair costs can quickly add up. A home warranty offers a smart, cost-effective solution to protect one of your most frequently used appliances. By covering the repair or replacement of key components, a home warranty plan like ARW Home’s gives you peace of mind knowing that you're not facing hefty repair bills out of pocket.

From covering critical washer components to offering fast service, ARW Home ensures you're never left in the lurch when your washer breaks down. With flexible plans that cover both washers and dryers, and a straightforward claims process, ARW Home offers comprehensive protection for your laundry appliances.

Investing in a home warranty plan is a proactive way to safeguard your home appliances and budget from unexpected expenses. Don’t let a washer breakdown disrupt your daily routine—explore the benefits of washer coverage today and keep your home running smoothly, without the stress of costly repairs. Shop Warranty Plans

FAQs About Washer and Dryer Maintenance

How often should I clean my washer and dryer?

Certain cleaning tasks should be done after every load: clean the lint filter, wipe down the drums and door seals, and leave the washer door and detergent drawer slightly open to let moisture escape.

Run a cleaning cycle through your washer about once a month to remove detergent residue and mildew buildup. Finally, clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct at least twice a year to remove hidden lint and maintain strong airflow.

What’s the best way to clean a washer drum?

The best way to clean your washer drum is to run an empty cycle on the hottest setting using either a commercial washer cleaner or a natural solution like white vinegar and baking soda. 

For a DIY washer cleaning method, pour two cups of vinegar into your detergent tray and run a hot wash cycle, then sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the washer drum and run a second hot cycle. This two-step process removes buildup, kills bacteria, and eliminates odors.

Can I use DIY solutions to unclog dryer vents?

For light buildup, you can use a vacuum hose attachment or a dryer vent brush to clean inside the duct. Hose extensions can help you reach deeper, and there are cleaning kits with flexible brushes for longer vents. 

However, if you’re dealing with major buildup or a full clog, it’s best to call a professional.

What does a home warranty cover for washers and dryers?

ARW Home Warranty plan typically covers the repair or replacement costs of most major washer and dryer components that break down due to normal wear and tear. 

This includes motors, belts, pulleys, heating elements, timers, switches, control boards, sensors, pumps, valves, and other internal mechanical and electrical parts.

How do I know if it’s time to replace vs repair?

Repair or replace—that’s the question on every homeowner’s mind when a major appliance breaks down. In most cases, the answer comes down to the age of the appliance, the cost of the repair, and the severity of the issue.

If your machine is close to 10 years old and repairs would cost more than half the price of a comparable new model, replacement is usually the smarter choice. However, if the appliance is relatively new and the repair is minor, fixing it is typically the better option.