It's ruddy good!
It's ruddy good!
By Sophie Whitaker, Personal Finance Writer
Moving into student accommodation — whether a private rental, a shared house, or a purpose-built flat — means relying on appliances you didn't choose, can't easily replace, and probably can't afford to repair out of pocket. This guide walks through the real risks, typical UK repair costs, and how appliance insurance works so you can make an informed decision before something goes wrong.
Student households typically see heavier appliance use than average, with more occupants sharing fewer machines in older rented properties. That combination increases breakdown rates significantly. A washing machine in a four-person student house might run ten or twelve cycles a week — roughly three times the usage of a typical family home. Add in appliances that may already be several years old when you move in, and the probability of a fault during a single academic year is higher than most students expect.
Landlords who supply appliances to student tenants face their own exposure. A broken washing machine or fridge freezer in a tenanted property triggers an obligation to repair promptly, and the cost of a same-week engineer callout is rarely budgeted for. For both tenants and landlords, the question isn't really if an appliance will develop a fault — it's when, and how much it will cost when it does.
Washing machines, fridge freezers, and dishwashers account for the majority of domestic appliance repairs in the UK, with washing machines consistently topping breakdown statistics. Common faults vary by appliance type:
Door seal failures, worn drum bearings, and faulty control boards are the most frequently reported faults. Bearing noise — a grinding or rumbling sound during the spin cycle — tends to worsen quickly and eventually makes the machine uneconomical to use. Carbon brush wear is also common on older brushed-motor machines and causes intermittent starting failures.
Compressor failure and thermostat faults are the most serious issues, since both can result in food spoilage before you notice anything is wrong. Signs to watch for include the unit running constantly, frost build-up at unusual points, or the freezer compartment not reaching temperature.
Pump failures, blocked spray arms, and control module faults are the most common call-out reasons. Dishwashers in shared student houses are also prone to drain blockages from food debris — a maintenance issue rather than a mechanical fault, but one that still requires attention.
UK appliance repair costs vary considerably depending on the fault, the brand, and your location, but typical ranges give a useful baseline for decision-making. Most engineer callouts include a diagnosis fee of £60–£100 before any parts or labour are added.
These figures are for repairs only — they don't include a replacement if the appliance is beyond economical repair. For context, a mid-range freestanding washing machine starts at around £350–£500, and a decent fridge freezer at £300–£600.
Appliance insurance from Row.co.uk covers appliances that are under 6 years old at the time of taking out the policy. This is an important threshold to check before you apply — an appliance just over six years old won't qualify, regardless of its condition. For gadgets such as laptops and mobile phones, the eligibility window is tighter: the item must be under 12 months old.
If you're moving into a rented property where appliances are already installed, it's worth asking the landlord how old they are. Many landlords don't know the exact age, but a manufacture date is usually printed on a label inside the door frame of a washing machine or fridge, or on the back panel of other appliances. If the appliance is within the six-year window, it may be insurable — whether by you as a tenant or by the landlord as the item's owner.
Row.co.uk has insured over 200,000 items since 2009. Cover includes accidental damage, mechanical breakdown, parts, labour, and call-out — with no lock-in contract and cancel anytime flexibility.
Get a Quote TodayUnderstanding the differences between these three options helps you avoid paying for cover you already have — or assuming you're covered when you're not.
Most new appliances come with a one or two-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover accidental damage, and it expires. Once it ends, you have no protection unless you've arranged something else. In a student rental where the appliance was bought by the landlord several years ago, the manufacturer warranty will almost certainly have expired before you moved in.
Extended warranties are sold at point of purchase to extend the manufacturer's coverage, typically for an additional two to three years. They generally cover mechanical breakdown only, rarely include accidental damage, and are non-transferable — meaning a landlord's extended warranty doesn't follow the appliance into a tenanted property. They also tend to be significantly more expensive than ongoing insurance cover for equivalent protection.
Appliance insurance — such as the policies available at Row.co.uk — covers both mechanical breakdown and accidental damage, can be started at any point (not just at purchase), includes parts, labour, and call-out fees, and can be cancelled anytime without penalty. For renters and landlords who need ongoing protection for existing appliances rather than new purchases, insurance is typically the more practical route. Row.co.uk offers cover from £1.49/month per item, with a multi-item discount of up to 20% if you insure several appliances together.
When an appliance breaks down, the process is straightforward and entirely online. To make a claim, log in to the customer service centre at row.co.uk and submit the details of the fault. Row.co.uk operates a national repair network across the UK, and an engineer will be arranged to assess and repair the appliance using quality parts. If a repair isn't possible, a replacement may be provided subject to policy terms.
There is no need to source your own engineer, negotiate on parts costs, or manage the repair logistics yourself — the process is handled through your online account from start to finish. Row.co.uk's customer service team is UK-based, and the business has been operating since 2009, currently protecting over 200,000 insured items. The service is rated 4.72 out of 5 on reviews.io.
A modest amount of routine upkeep reduces the likelihood of the most common faults and helps appliances last longer.
The policy should be taken out by the owner of the appliance — which in a furnished rental is typically the landlord. If you're a student tenant and the appliances are yours (brought from home or purchased yourself), you can insure them directly. If you're unsure, it's worth clarifying ownership with your landlord before applying.
Appliances must be under 6 years old at the time you take out the policy. For gadgets such as smartphones and laptops, the item must be under 12 months old. You can usually find the manufacture date on a label inside the appliance door frame or on the back panel.
To make a claim, log in to the customer service centre at row.co.uk and submit the fault details online. The process is fully digital — there's no need to call. Row.co.uk will arrange an engineer from its national repair network across the UK.
Yes — Row.co.uk policies cover both accidental damage and mechanical or electrical breakdown. Parts, labour, and call-out are all included within the cover, up to £2,000 per item.
Yes. Row.co.uk offers a 5% discount on a second appliance, and a multi-item discount of up to 20% when you insure several items together. This makes cover more cost-effective for landlords with multiple properties or households with several appliances to protect.
Extended warranties are typically sold at point of purchase, cover mechanical breakdown only, and expire after a set period. Appliance insurance can be started at any point in an item's life (within the age eligibility window), covers both breakdown and accidental damage, and continues on a monthly basis with no lock-in. For existing appliances or those bought second-hand, insurance is usually the more accessible option.
Row.co.uk policies have no lock-in contract, and you can cancel at any time. This makes them well-suited to student renters whose accommodation arrangements may change at the end of a term or academic year.