LAST REVIEWED: JUNE 2026
Domestic and General home emergency cover scores 57/100 on the KT Score. D&G home emergency cover provides a 24-hour helpline and emergency call-out for plumbing failures, drainage blockages, electrical failures, loss of home security (broken locks or windows) and pest infestation. The policy covers the cost of making the property safe but does not necessarily cover the full repair cost; there is typically a per-claim limit on parts and labour. D&G's home emergency product is weakest in this review cycle due to limited per-claim cover limits relative to HomeServe and British Gas HomeCare equivalents, and the 57 score reflects this against the market standard.
What home emergency cover includes
D&G home emergency cover provides emergency response for five categories of home emergency: plumbing and drainage failures (burst pipes, blocked drains, loss of water supply), electrical failures (total loss of power, electrical fault creating a safety risk), heating failure (boiler breakdown without a separate boiler cover plan), home security failures (broken locks, forced entry damage, broken windows), and pest infestation (wasps, hornets, mice, rats).
The cover is designed to make the property safe and habitable rather than to complete the full repair. For example, a burst pipe claim would result in the emergency plumber isolating the water supply and making the immediate repair to prevent further damage. Full reinstatement of the affected area, including replastering, redecorating or replacing floor coverings damaged by the water, is not typically included in the emergency call-out and would need to be claimed through buildings insurance.
A 24-hour helpline is included. Emergency engineers are dispatched by D&G's appointed contractors. Response time targets vary by emergency type but D&G typically aims for engineer attendance within two to four hours for genuine emergencies.
Per-claim limits and what they mean
D&G home emergency cover applies per-claim limits to parts and labour costs. These limits vary by plan tier and are specified in the policy schedule. A lower per-claim limit means that complex or costly repairs may not be fully covered. For example, if the per-claim labour limit is £500 and a drainage repair costs £800 in labour, the policyholder is responsible for the £300 shortfall. Understanding the per-claim limit before purchasing is essential for assessing whether the product covers the realistic cost of a home emergency in the policyholder's property type and area.
What home emergency cover does not include
Gradual deterioration, wear and tear, or pre-existing conditions at the time the policy is taken out are excluded. An emergency arising from known defects that the policyholder failed to address before taking out cover is typically declined. Damage caused by storms, floods or subsidence is covered under buildings insurance rather than home emergency cover. Routine maintenance and service costs are also excluded.
Cosmetic repairs, redecoration or the cost of alternative accommodation while repairs are completed are generally not included in home emergency cover. These costs may be covered under a home insurance policy with appropriate add-ons but fall outside the scope of a standalone home emergency product.
D&G home emergency vs HomeServe vs British Gas
| Provider | KT Score | 24/7 response | Plumbing | Strongest for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D&G | 57 | Yes | Yes | D&G appliance bundle |
| HomeServe | 61 | Yes | Yes | Plumbing and drainage specialist |
| British Gas HomeCare | 61 | Yes | Yes | Boiler plus home emergency bundle |
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
What counts as a home emergency with D&G?
D&G defines a home emergency as a sudden and unexpected event that makes the property unsafe or uninhabitable and requires immediate professional intervention. Qualifying events include burst pipes, complete loss of water supply, drainage blockage causing flooding within the property, total loss of electrical power, failure of door or window locks following a break-in, and infestation by certain pest species. Gradual deterioration or problems the policyholder was already aware of do not qualify as emergencies under the policy definition.
How quickly does D&G respond to a home emergency?
D&G targets emergency engineer attendance within two to four hours for genuine home emergencies such as burst pipes or total loss of power. Response times depend on contractor availability in the local area. D&G uses a third-party contractor network rather than directly employed engineers, which means response times can vary by location and time of call. Claims made overnight or at weekends may have longer response times in some areas.
Does D&G home emergency cover pest control?
D&G home emergency cover includes pest control for certain specified species, typically wasps, hornets, mice and rats. Not all pest species are covered; infestations of insects such as ants, moths or bedbugs are typically excluded. The pest control benefit covers making the property safe rather than a complete eradication programme. The specific pest species covered and the scope of the pest control response are set out in the plan terms.
Can I claim on D&G home emergency and buildings insurance for the same incident?
Yes, but for different costs. D&G home emergency cover typically covers the cost of making the property safe from the emergency. Buildings insurance covers the cost of repairing structural damage caused by the emergency, such as replacing flooring or replastering walls damaged by a burst pipe. The two products are complementary rather than duplicative. Policyholders should notify both their home emergency provider and their buildings insurer when a significant incident occurs.
