Does homeowners insurance cover a leaking washing machine?

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Water damage caused by a leaking washing machine is covered by home insurance if the damage is sudden and accidental and is not the result of poor maintenance or neglect.

While the resulting damage from the water leak will be covered, the washing machine will not unless a covered peril damaged the machine and caused it to leak. You’ll have to pay your deductible before insurance covers anything.

Read on to learn how home insurance works when a washing machine leaks.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from a washing machine?

A homeowners insurance policy will cover water damage when it happens suddenly and accidentally due to a covered peril. If a hose suddenly bursts and water comes out of the washing machine, it will be considered sudden and accidental and likely covered.

Generally, insurance companies can deny claims if they determine the problem stemmed from owners failing to do necessary upkeep to prevent damage from happening. 

Claims can also be denied if the damage was from a slow leak that the owner was aware of and didn’t repair.

When does homeowners insurance cover water damage from appliances?

Homeowners insurance covers water damage from appliances under certain conditions. Your policy will help pay for repairs if the damage is sudden and accidental. That means you’re likely covered if a hose unexpectedly bursts or a valve fails.

Here are a few examples of when your insurance might step in:

• Washing machine hose breaks and floods your laundry room
• Dishwasher suddenly leaks and damages your kitchen floor
• Water heater bursts and soaks nearby walls or flooring

“Homeowners’ insurance usually steps in to cover water damage from a leaking washing machine, provided the leak is sudden and accidental. Say a hose snaps out of nowhere and floods the laundry room; that sort of surprise is generally handled under the dwelling or personal property parts of your policy,” says Elena Novak, lead real estate analyst at PropertyChecker.com in Boston. 

Insurance won’t cover damage if the leak was caused by:

• Neglect or lack of maintenance (like an old hose that should’ve been replaced)
• Gradual leaks that happen over time and were ignored
• Appliance wear and tear, which is considered the homeowner’s responsibility

“When the problem stems from something slow-building, like worn-out hoses or skipped upkeep, insurers often won’t foot the bill,” says Novak.

If you’re unsure what your policy covers, review it or check in with your insurance provider. Some appliances or types of damage might require additional endorsements or riders.

How to file a homeowners insurance claim for water damage

If you notice water pooling around your washing machine or if the connection hose is lose or wet, address the issue immediately. Contact your insurance company immediately to file a claim. Your insurer may send a water remediation team out to dry out the house and likely will conduct an investigation to determine how the accident happened.

Here are a few tips for filing water damage claims with your insurance company:

1. First, take photos of the damage and water surrounding the faulty appliance to document the water leak.
2. Call your insurance company to file a homeowners claim for water damage and ask them what happens next. Make sure to consult your policy as well to see what’s covered – especially if there’s any sort of hassle or questioning with your insurer.
3. Stop the leak if possible and clean up the water so it doesn’t damage the surrounding area.
4. Contact an assessor to get an estimate of the damage.
5. Get the OK from your insurance company to repair the damage to your home caused by the water leak.

Remember, your deductible will apply. So, if your insurer says it will pay $4,000 to cover the water damage from a leaking washing machine and your deductible is $1,000, your payout will be $3,000.

Will a water damage claim raise my home insurance rates?

It might. Filing a water damage claim can lead to higher home insurance premiums, especially if it’s not your first claim or if the insurer sees a pattern of risk.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• One-time claims for sudden and accidental damage may cause a small rate increase or none at all, depending on your insurer.
• Multiple claims within a short period can signal higher risk and lead to a more noticeable premium jump.
• The type and cause of damage also matter — claims for preventable or maintenance-related issues are more likely to raise red flags.
  

If the repair cost is close to or less than your deductible, it might be worth paying out of pocket to avoid a possible rate hike. Before filing, consider calling your insurance company or agent to discuss the potential impact.

How to prevent your washing machine from leaking

Proactive maintenance is the best way to ensure that your appliances, such as a washing machine and dishwasher, don’t leak. Make it a regular habit to check the areas and fittings around these appliances to make sure they’re dry and secure, respectively.

• Properly maintain your appliances: Inspect all water-based appliances – your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator and water heater – every month to ensure that water connections are secure and dry.
• Check hoses to make sure they’re clear, operating freely and undamaged.
• Ensure that all water supply lines are clean and free from debris.
• Keep an eye out for water around all appliances – if you see even a small leak, something’s amiss and it needs to be handled immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

Will insurance pay for a new washing machine if it leaks?

Generally, no. Homeowners insurance covers the water damage caused by the leak, not the washing machine itself.
An exception would be if the washing machine was damaged by a covered peril — like a tree crashing into your home and damaging the appliance. In that case, both the machine and the resulting water damage may be covered.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from appliances?

Yes, but only if the damage is sudden and accidental. If a hose bursts on your dishwasher or your water heater suddenly fails, your policy will likely help cover the damage to your home. Gradual leaks or damage due to lack of maintenance are typically not covered.

What appliances can cause water damage that’s covered by insurance?

Insurance may cover water damage caused by:

• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Water heaters
• Refrigerators with water lines
• HVAC units

Again, the key is that the damage must be unexpected and not due to wear and tear.

Will insurance cover mold from a leaking appliance?

Sometimes. If the mold is the result of a covered water damage event and is discovered and treated quickly, your insurance may help pay for removal. But if the mold results from neglect or a long-standing leak, it’s usually not covered.

Can I file a claim if my dishwasher slowly leaks over time?

Probably not. Homeowners insurance is designed for sudden accidents, not gradual problems. If the damage could have been prevented with routine maintenance, your claim is likely to be denied.

Will filing a water damage claim raise my insurance rates?

It might. A single claim may not make a big difference, but multiple claims or claims that signal higher risk (like recurring leaks) could lead to higher premiums. It’s always a good idea to weigh the repair cost against your deductible before filing.

Laura Longero

Executive Editor

 

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Laura Longero is an insurance expert and executive editor of CarInsurance.com. With 15 years of experience simplifying complex financial topics, Laura provides clear, expert-backed guidance to help drivers make smart, confident decisions. Before joining CarInsurance.com, she was an award-winning editor for the USA Today Network.

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