What you get for free
- The first 30 days: a faulty TV can usually be rejected for a full refund.
- The first six months: a fault is presumed to have been there when you bought it, so the retailer must repair or replace it, or refund you.
- Up to six years (five in Scotland): you can still claim against the retailer for a fault that was there at sale, for as long as a TV could reasonably be expected to last.
- The maker’s warranty: most TVs come with at least a year, sometimes more.
When cover is worth having
- An expensive TV in a busy house, where a knock or a thrown controller is a real risk. That’s accidental damage, which consumer law and warranties don’t cover.
- If your home contents insurance doesn’t include accidental damage, adding it can cost little and covers more than the TV. Check that first.
- Breakdown-only cover is rarely worth it: one-off repairs can cost less than the plan.
Before you buy any cover, check
- Whether it covers accidental damage, breakdown, or both.
- Limits on the number or value of claims, and whether a replacement is like for like.
- Whether you can claim while the maker’s warranty still applies.
- The monthly cost over the years you’ll keep the TV, compared with a repair (usually £100 to £300) or a new TV.
Where cover comes from
- Your home contents insurer: an accidental damage add-on.
- The retailer: care plans sold with the TV, such as Currys Care & Repair.
- Gadget insurers: companies such as Protect Your Bubble and loveit coverit insure tech against accidental damage, loss and theft.
Tely gives general information, not advice on a particular policy; read a policy’s terms before you buy. Sources: Which?, five reasons not to buy an extended warranty; Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Questions
- What are my rights if my TV breaks?
- Within 30 days you can usually reject it for a refund. In the first six months a fault is presumed to have been there at sale, so the retailer must repair or replace it. After that, you can still claim for faults present at sale for up to six years (five in Scotland), but you may need to show the fault was there from the start.
- Can I cancel an extended warranty?
- Yes. A warranty lasting more than a year can be cancelled, with a full refund if you cancel within 45 days and haven't claimed.
- Does home insurance cover my TV?
- Contents insurance with accidental damage cover often covers a cracked screen or a knocked-over TV. It usually doesn't cover breakdowns or wear and tear. Check your policy before buying separate cover.