Stopping Domestic and General: What you need to know

About Domestic and General

Domestic and General is one of the UK's largest appliance care specialists, providing extended warranty and insurance cover for household appliances and electronics. Founded in 1963, the company has been protecting British homes for over six decades, covering everything from washing machines and fridges to laptops and televisions. They step in when manufacturer warranties expire, offering repair and replacement services that can save you from unexpected costs.

The company operates as Domestic & General Insurance PLC and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. They work with major retailers across the UK, often offering their protection plans at the point of purchase when you buy a new appliance. You'll also find them providing cover for second-hand items and appliances you've owned for years.

Most importantly, understanding what you're actually covered for is crucial before deciding whether to continue or cancel. Many customers discover that their household insurance already covers certain appliance breakdowns, or that manufacturer warranties last longer than they initially thought. This overlap is one of the primary reasons people choose to cancel their Domestic and General policies.

Plans, features and pricing

Domestic and General offers various protection plans tailored to different appliance types and customer needs. Their pricing structure depends on the item being covered, its age, value, and the level of protection you select. Let me break down what you need to know about their offerings.

Types of cover available

The company provides several tiers of protection. Their standard appliance care covers repairs and replacements for mechanical and electrical breakdowns. They also offer accidental damage cover for items like laptops and mobile devices, which protects against drops, spills, and screen damage. Additionally, they provide boiler and heating system cover, which operates similarly to traditional boiler insurance.

Keep in mind that each policy type has different excess fees. You'll typically pay between £30 and £100 per claim, depending on your specific policy terms. This is a critical detail many customers overlook when signing up.

Pricing structure

First, always calculate the annual cost versus the potential repair or replacement cost of your appliance. For a £300 washing machine with a £12 monthly premium, you're paying £144 annually. After three years, you've paid £432—more than the appliance's original value. This mathematical reality drives many cancellations.

What's included and excluded

Domestic and General covers mechanical and electrical failures that occur during normal use. They'll send an engineer to your home or arrange for the item to be collected for repair. If repair isn't economical, they'll replace the item with one of similar specification.

However, exclusions are significant. They don't cover cosmetic damage, pre-existing faults, damage from improper installation, or issues caused by neglect or misuse. Additionally, many policies exclude certain parts like batteries, filters, and light bulbs. These exclusions often surprise customers who assumed they had comprehensive coverage.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding your cancellation rights is absolutely essential before you begin the process. UK consumer law provides strong protections, but you need to know exactly what applies to your situation.

Cooling-off period rights

If you've purchased your Domestic and General policy within the last 14 days, you're protected by the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This cooling-off period gives you an automatic right to cancel without providing any reason. You should receive a full refund of any premiums paid, though if you've already made a claim, they may deduct the cost of that service.

Most importantly, this 14-day period starts from when you receive your policy documents, not from when you purchased the item or agreed to the cover. Check your paperwork carefully to determine your exact deadline.

Cancellation outside the cooling-off period

After the initial 14 days, your cancellation rights depend on your specific policy terms. Domestic and General typically allows cancellation at any time, but you'll need to provide notice—usually 14 days. They'll calculate any refund on a pro-rata basis, meaning you'll get back the portion of your premium for the remaining cover period.

However, there's a catch that many customers miss. If you pay monthly, you might not receive any refund because you've only paid for cover already provided. Annual policyholders generally fare better with refunds, though administration fees sometimes apply.

Notice periods and refund calculations

Legal requirements in the UK

Under the Financial Conduct Authority rules, Domestic and General must handle your cancellation request promptly and fairly. They cannot make the cancellation process deliberately difficult or ignore properly submitted requests. Keep in mind that as a regulated insurance provider, they're required to acknowledge your cancellation within a reasonable timeframe and process any refunds within 30 days.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your Domestic and General policy. While other methods exist, sending a formal letter via Recorded Delivery creates an indisputable paper trail that protects you legally. Let me walk you through exactly how to do this properly.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

First, understand that written cancellation provides legal proof that cannot be disputed. Phone calls can be \