Stopping Currys Protection Plan: What you need to know

About Currys Protection Plan

Currys Protection Plan is an extended warranty and insurance product offered by Currys, one of the UK's largest electrical retailers. After processing thousands of these cancellations, I can tell you this is one of the most common protection plans people reconsider after purchase. The plan extends your cover beyond the manufacturer's warranty, typically offering protection against accidental damage, breakdowns, and mechanical failures for products ranging from laptops and televisions to washing machines and fridges.

Here's what makes this different from your standard manufacturer warranty: Currys Protection Plan kicks in after your initial warranty expires, though some plans include accidental damage cover from day one. The company partners with insurance underwriters to provide this service, which means you're essentially purchasing an insurance policy rather than just an extended warranty. This distinction matters enormously when it comes to cancellation rights and procedures.

Most importantly, understand that this is a regulated insurance product in the UK. That means you have specific consumer rights under the Financial Conduct Authority regulations, including a cooling-off period and the right to cancel at any time. Keep this in mind throughout the cancellation process, as these protections work in your favour.

The plan is sold at the point of purchase when you buy your electrical item, and salespeople often present it as essential protection. From my experience handling these cancellations, many customers sign up in the moment and later realise they don't need the cover, already have alternative insurance, or find the cost isn't justified for their particular item.

Plans, features and pricing

Currys offers several tiers of protection, and the pricing varies significantly based on the product value and the level of cover you choose. Let me break down what you're actually paying for, because understanding this helps you make an informed decision about whether to keep or cancel.

Coverage levels and what they include

The standard Currys Protection Plan typically comes in three main variants. First, there's the basic breakdown cover, which protects against mechanical and electrical failures after the manufacturer warranty ends. Next, you'll find the accidental damage option, which covers drops, spills, and other mishaps. Additionally, some plans include a premium tier with enhanced benefits like annual health checks or priority repair services.

Here's an insider tip: the pricing structure heavily favours Currys. For a £500 laptop, you might pay £150 for three years of cover. That's 30% of the product's value. Most electronics either fail within the manufacturer warranty period or last well beyond it. The sweet spot where extended warranties pay off is remarkably narrow.

What's actually covered and common exclusions

The devil is in the details with these plans. Breakdown cover sounds comprehensive, but it typically excludes cosmetic damage, wear and tear, and any issues caused by "misuse." Accidental damage cover is better but often comes with excess fees, meaning you'll pay £50-£100 towards each claim anyway.

Most importantly, these plans don't cover theft or loss. Many customers assume they're getting comprehensive protection, but if someone steals your laptop or you leave it on the train, you're not covered. Your home contents insurance likely provides better protection for these scenarios.

Additionally, there are often claim limits. Some plans cap the total amount they'll pay out over the policy lifetime, and if your product is deemed beyond economical repair, they'll offer a replacement of similar specification, not necessarily the same model or value.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

This is where my years of processing cancellations really come in handy. The terms of service for Currys Protection Plan follow standard insurance regulations, but there are specific nuances you need to understand before initiating cancellation.

Your cooling-off period rights

First and foremost, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you purchased the plan or received your policy documents, whichever is later. During this window, you can cancel for a full refund with no questions asked. This is a statutory right under UK consumer law, and it applies even if you've started using the product the plan covers.

Here's a common mistake I see repeatedly: people assume the 14 days starts when they bought the product in-store. Actually, it starts when you receive the policy documentation. If Currys emails you the policy details three days after purchase, your cooling-off period begins from that email date. Check your inbox and spam folder to confirm when you actually received those documents.

Cancellation after the cooling-off period

Beyond the initial 14 days, you can still cancel at any time, but the refund calculation changes. Currys will provide a pro-rata refund based on the remaining time on your plan, minus an administration fee. From my experience, this admin fee typically ranges from £25-£50, which can significantly eat into your refund, especially if you've had the plan for a while.

Additionally, if you've made any claims against the policy, the refund calculation becomes more complex. Some policies state that if you've claimed, you're not entitled to any refund at all. Others will deduct the claim value from your refund. This is absolutely critical to check in your specific policy documents before proceeding with cancellation.

Notice periods and processing times

Most importantly, Currys Protection Plan requires written notice of cancellation. Verbal cancellations over the phone aren't sufficient, and this is precisely why postal cancellation is so important. The company needs formal documentation of your cancellation request.

Keep in mind that the cancellation becomes effective from the date they receive your letter, not the date you send it. This is why tracked delivery is absolutely essential, which I'll explain in detail in the next section.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

After handling thousands of these cancellations, I can tell you unequivocally that postal cancellation is the most reliable method. Here's why: you create an indisputable paper trail with proof of delivery. Phone cancellations can be "lost" in systems, online portals sometimes malfunction or aren't properly monitored, but a recorded delivery letter provides legal proof that cannot be disputed.

Why postal cancellation is your best option

First, postal cancellation gives you complete control over the documentation. You have a copy of exactly what you sent, when you sent it, and confirmation of when it was received. In disputes about cancellation dates or refund amounts, this documentation is gold.

Next, Recorded Delivery or Royal Mail Signed For service provides tracking and requires a signature upon delivery. This means Currys cannot claim they never received your cancellation request. I've seen countless cases where customers called to cancel, were told "it's processed," and then months later discovered nothing happened. That cannot happen with tracked post.

Additionally, sending cancellation by post ensures your request goes directly to the cancellations department rather than being filtered through customer service representatives who might try to retain you as a customer. The formal nature of a posted letter signals that you're serious about cancellation.

The correct postal address for cancellations

This is absolutely critical, and I cannot stress this enough: you must send your cancellation to the correct address. Sending it to a store or the wrong department will delay processing by weeks or even months. Based on the policy documentation and cancellation procedures, the correct address for Currys Protection Plan cancellations is:

• Currys Customer Services
• Currys Group Limited
• Maylands Avenue
• Hemel Hempstead
• Hertfordshire
• HP2 7TG

Double-check your policy documents for any specific cancellation address, as occasionally different underwriters use different processing centres. However, the address above is the standard customer services address that handles protection plan cancellations.

What to include in your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs specific information to be processed efficiently. First and foremost, include your full name exactly as it appears on the policy. Next, provide your policy number, which you'll find on your policy documents or purchase receipt. Additionally, include the product details the plan covers, your contact telephone number, and your email address.

Most importantly, state clearly and unambiguously that you wish to cancel the protection plan. Use phrases like "I am writing to formally cancel my Currys Protection Plan" rather than "I'm thinking about cancelling" or "I'd like to discuss cancellation." Ambiguity can lead to delays.

Include the date you're writing the letter and, if you're within the cooling-off period, explicitly state this: "I am cancelling within my 14-day cooling-off period and expect a full refund." If you're outside this period, request a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of the plan.

Here's a pro tip from years of processing these: include your bank account details for the refund. Provide your account name, sort code, and account number. This speeds up processing significantly. Without these details, Currys will need to contact you separately, adding weeks to the process.

Step-by-step postal cancellation process

Let me walk you through this exactly as I'd advise a family member. First, gather all your documentation: your policy number, purchase receipt, and any correspondence you've had with Currys about the plan. Having everything to hand ensures you don't miss critical details.

Next, write your cancellation letter. Keep it professional and concise. One page is sufficient. Include all the elements I mentioned above, and make sure your handwriting is legible if you're writing by hand. Typed letters are actually better as there's no ambiguity about what you've written.

Additionally, make copies of everything. Photocopy or scan your letter, the envelope, and any supporting documents you're including. Keep these copies in a safe place. I recommend creating a dedicated folder for this cancellation with all related documents.

Most importantly, send your letter via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or Signed For service. This costs around £3-£4 but is absolutely worth it. At the Post Office, ask specifically for tracked delivery that requires a signature. Keep your proof of postage receipt, which includes the tracking number.

Track your letter online using the Royal Mail tracking service. Once it shows as delivered, note the date and who signed for it. This is your proof of delivery date, which is when your cancellation becomes effective.

Using Postclic for hassle-free cancellation

Here's something that makes this entire process significantly easier: services like Postclic handle the postal cancellation for you digitally. Instead of physically going to the Post Office, you can create your cancellation letter online, and Postclic prints, envelopes, and sends it via tracked delivery on your behalf.

The benefits are substantial. First, you save time by not visiting the Post Office. Next, you get professional formatting that ensures all necessary information is included correctly. Additionally, you receive digital proof of postage and delivery, which is easier to store and retrieve than physical receipts.

Most importantly, Postclic provides tracking throughout the process, so you can see exactly when your letter is printed, posted, and delivered. For someone cancelling a protection plan, this peace of mind is valuable. The service typically costs less than £5, which is comparable to what you'd spend on Recorded Delivery anyway, but with added convenience.

Following up on your cancellation

After your letter is delivered, wait approximately 10 working days, then follow up. You can call Currys customer services to confirm they've received your cancellation and it's being processed. Have your tracking number and delivery confirmation ready when you call.

If they claim they haven't received it, this is where your proof of delivery becomes crucial. Provide the tracking number, delivery date, and the name of who signed for it. They cannot dispute this evidence.

Keep in mind that processing takes time. Refunds typically appear within 30 days of delivery during the cooling-off period, or 45-60 days after that period. If you haven't received your refund within these timeframes, follow up again, escalating to a complaint if necessary.

Tips from former members

After processing thousands of Currys Protection Plan cancellations, I've gathered invaluable insights from customers who've been through this process. These tips come from real experiences and can save you significant time and frustration.

Common reasons people cancel

First and foremost, many people cancel because they discover their home contents insurance already covers accidental damage to electronics. One customer I helped had been paying £120 annually for laptop protection when her home insurance covered the same thing with just a £50 excess. Always check your existing insurance before keeping any extended warranty.

Next, the cost-benefit analysis often doesn't stack up. For items under £300, the protection plan can cost 20-30% of the product value. If the item breaks outside warranty, replacing it might cost less than what you've paid in premiums. One former member told me she'd paid £200 over three years for protection on a £400 television that never had a single issue.

Additionally, many people cancel after reading the terms carefully and realising how limited the cover actually is. The exclusions, excess fees, and claim processes are often more restrictive than the sales pitch suggested. Understanding what you're actually paying for is crucial.

Mistakes to avoid during cancellation

The biggest mistake I see is delaying cancellation. If you're within the 14-day cooling-off period, act immediately. Every day you wait reduces your refund. One customer missed the cooling-off deadline by just two days and lost £80 in refund value due to the pro-rata calculation and admin fee.

Another common error is sending cancellation to a Currys store. Stores cannot process protection plan cancellations. Your letter will need forwarding to the correct department, adding weeks to the process. Always use the official cancellation address I provided earlier.

Most importantly, never assume a phone call or in-store conversation constitutes formal cancellation. Multiple customers have told me they "cancelled" verbally months ago, only to discover they're still being charged because no written cancellation was received. Always send written notice via tracked post.

What to do if your cancellation is delayed or disputed

If Currys hasn't processed your cancellation within the expected timeframe, escalate immediately. First, call customer services with your proof of delivery and request an update. Ask for a specific date when processing will complete and get a reference number for the call.

If this doesn't resolve the issue, submit a formal complaint in writing. Currys has a complaints procedure that must provide a response within eight weeks. In your complaint, reference your original cancellation letter, the delivery date, and any subsequent correspondence.

Keep in mind that if you're not satisfied with the complaint response, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Because protection plans are regulated insurance products, the Ombudsman has jurisdiction. They're free to use and can order Currys to process your cancellation and refund with compensation for delays.

How to maximise your refund

Here's an insider tip: if you're just outside the cooling-off period, check the exact date you received the policy documents, not when you purchased the plan. Several customers have successfully argued they were still within cooling-off because they received documents later than assumed, securing full refunds instead of pro-rata amounts.

Additionally, if you've experienced poor service or misleading sales practices, mention this in your cancellation letter. While it won't guarantee a better refund, some customers have negotiated admin fee waivers when they've documented specific service failures.

Most importantly, if you paid by credit card for the original purchase including the protection plan, and you're cancelling due to misrepresentation or breach of contract, you may have additional rights under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This is worth investigating if Currys refuses a reasonable refund.

Alternatives to consider before cancelling

Before you cancel, consider whether you might actually need some form of protection. If you do, compare alternatives. Many banks offer free gadget insurance with premium current accounts. Standalone gadget insurance from specialist providers often costs less than Currys Protection Plan with better coverage.

Additionally, manufacturer warranties on premium products like Apple or Samsung devices can be extended directly through the manufacturer, often with better terms than third-party plans. AppleCare+, for example, covers two accidental damage incidents per year with lower excess fees than most retail protection plans.

Your home contents insurance is worth reviewing too. Many policies can be upgraded to include accidental damage cover for electronics at minimal additional cost. One former member saved £150 annually by adding gadget cover to her home insurance instead of maintaining separate protection plans.

Final advice from someone who's seen it all

After years of processing these cancellations, my strongest advice is this: act decisively and document everything. If you've decided to cancel, do it properly with tracked post and keep all evidence. Don't let customer retention tactics dissuade you if you've made an informed decision.

Remember that you have legal rights as a consumer, and companies must honour them. The cooling-off period is law, not a courtesy. Pro-rata refunds after that period are standard practice. Don't accept unreasonable admin fees or processing delays without challenging them.

Most importantly, learn from this experience. Before purchasing any extended warranty or protection plan in future, take time to read the terms, compare alternatives, and consider whether you really need it. The peace of mind these plans promise often costs more than the actual risk they protect against.

Keep your cancellation documentation for at least six years. If there are any future disputes about whether you cancelled or when, you'll have irrefutable proof. This has saved several customers from being pursued for premiums on plans they'd legitimately cancelled months or years earlier.