LAST REVIEWED: JUNE 2026
Domestic and General appliance cover scores 59/100 on the KT Score. D&G appliance protection plans cover mechanical and electrical breakdown of household appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, fridge-freezers, ovens, tumble dryers and televisions. Cover includes parts, labour and call-out costs. D&G uses manufacturer-certified engineers for repairs, which is its primary differentiator from independent warranty providers. The plan does not cover cosmetic damage, accidental damage (unless the accidental damage add-on is purchased), consumable parts or damage from misuse. The FCA's Consumer Duty requires D&G to demonstrate fair value; independent analysis suggests D&G plans represent fair value for mid-range to high-value appliances but poor value for lower-cost appliances where replacement is more economical than extended warranty cover.
What D&G appliance cover includes
D&G appliance protection plans cover the cost of repairing a mechanical or electrical breakdown of the covered appliance, including parts, labour and the engineer call-out fee. There is no excess on standard D&G plans, meaning the full repair cost is covered from the first pound. This distinguishes D&G from some home insurance policies that apply a per-claim excess to appliance cover.
If the appliance cannot be economically repaired, D&G will offer a replacement. The replacement may be the same model, an equivalent specification model, or a cash settlement equivalent to the current market value of the appliance at the time of the claim, depending on the specific plan terms. The replacement option is one of D&G's most valued features; it means a policyholder with a failed washing machine is not left with an unrepairable appliance and no recourse.
D&G uses manufacturer-certified repair networks for branded appliances including Bosch, Siemens, Neff, Miele, Samsung and others. Manufacturer-certified engineers use genuine manufacturer parts, which is relevant for appliances where third-party parts may void the remaining manufacturer warranty or produce lower-quality repairs. This certified engineer network is D&G's strongest differentiator versus independent appliance warranty providers.
What D&G appliance cover does not include
Cosmetic damage to the appliance, including scratches, dents, chips and discolouration, is not covered under a standard D&G plan. Accidental damage (for example, a cracked oven door glass from an impact) requires an accidental damage add-on that increases the plan premium. Without the add-on, accidental damage claims are declined regardless of how recent the plan is or how long the appliance has been covered.
Consumable parts that wear out through normal use are excluded. These include washing machine door seals, water inlet filters, dishwasher spray arms, oven door seals and similar wear items. The rationale is that these are maintenance items rather than breakdown components; replacing them is expected maintenance rather than an insurable event. The specific list of excluded consumable parts should be confirmed in the plan terms.
Damage caused by failure to follow the manufacturer's operating instructions, by using the appliance for purposes outside its intended use, or by external factors such as power surges, pest infestation or flood is generally excluded. In practice, the most common disputes between D&G and policyholders arise from D&G classifying a fault as misuse or a consumable part issue rather than a covered mechanical breakdown.
Single appliance vs multi-appliance plans
D&G offers single appliance plans covering one specified appliance and multi-appliance plans covering several appliances under one monthly subscription. Single appliance plans are appropriate for one high-value appliance such as a washing machine or American-style fridge-freezer. Multi-appliance plans suit households that want to cover multiple white goods and electronics without managing several separate plans.
The cost-effectiveness of a multi-appliance plan depends on the number and value of appliances covered. A household covering a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and television on one multi-appliance plan should compare the monthly subscription cost against the combined cost of separate single appliance plans and the cost of self-insuring (setting aside a monthly amount to cover future replacement costs). For many households, self-insuring lower-value appliances and reserving plan cover for the highest-value items produces the best financial outcome.
Repair vs replace: how D&G decides
When a D&G claim is submitted and an engineer attends, the engineer assesses whether the repair is economically viable. D&G uses an economic repair threshold, typically expressed as a percentage of the appliance's current replacement value. If the repair cost exceeds this threshold, D&G will offer a replacement rather than a repair. The specific threshold is not publicly specified by D&G but is applied consistently by their claims process.
Policyholders who disagree with a repair or replacement decision, or with a cash settlement amount offered in lieu of replacement, can raise a formal complaint with D&G. If unresolved within eight weeks, the complaint can be escalated to the Financial Ombudsman Service at no charge, which has jurisdiction over D&G as an FCA-authorised insurer.
D&G appliance cover value assessment by appliance type
| Appliance | Typical plan cost/yr | Typical repair cost | KT value verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing machine (£400+) | £80-£120 | £150-£300 | Fair value |
| American fridge-freezer (£800+) | £100-£150 | £200-£400 | Good value |
| Dishwasher (£400+) | £80-£120 | £150-£250 | Fair value |
| Budget washing machine (under £300) | £60-£100 | £100-£200 | Poor value |
| Television (£500+) | £80-£130 | £150-£300 | Marginal |
Disclaimer: This review is produced by Kael Tripton Ltd for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not FCA authorised. Company No. 17177071, ICO ZC135439.
Frequently asked questions
Does D&G cover accidental damage?
Accidental damage is not included in D&G's standard appliance protection plans. An accidental damage add-on is available at additional cost. Without the add-on, damage caused by accidents such as dropping an appliance, impact damage to a door or screen, or liquid spillage is not covered. The standard plan covers mechanical and electrical breakdown only. Consumers who want accidental damage cover should confirm the add-on is included in their plan before a claim arises.
What happens if D&G cannot repair my appliance?
If D&G's engineer determines that an appliance cannot be economically repaired, D&G will offer a replacement or a cash settlement. The replacement is typically a comparable specification model, which may not be the same brand or exact model as the failed appliance. If offered a cash settlement, the amount should reflect the current market value of an equivalent appliance. Policyholders who believe the replacement or cash settlement does not meet the policy terms can raise a formal complaint and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service if unresolved within eight weeks.
How long does a D&G repair take?
D&G aims to arrange an engineer visit within three to five working days of a claim being approved. Repair completion depends on parts availability; standard parts are typically available within the visit. Specialist or discontinued parts may extend the repair timeline. D&G's use of manufacturer-certified engineers means genuine parts are used, which can sometimes mean longer lead times for parts that are only available from the manufacturer rather than the general parts market.
Can I cancel a D&G appliance plan?
D&G plans can be cancelled at any time. Within the statutory 14-day cooling-off period, a full refund is available. After the cooling-off period, cancellation may result in a pro-rata refund of the unused portion of an annual plan, subject to any claims already made. Monthly subscription plans can typically be cancelled with one month's notice. The specific cancellation terms are set out in the plan documentation.
