Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › A Product Damaged My Home or Belongings
A Product Damaged My Home or Belongings
If a product damages your property through no fault of yours, you may be able to claim compensation. Start with the seller. You can claim from the manufacturer under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 if the item was unsafe and you are claiming more than £275. Your home insurance may also cover it.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Claiming Compensation
Who to Claim From
If an item causes damage to your property through no fault of your own, you may have a legal right to claim compensation (injury: a personal injury claim). Contact the company you bought it from first; you can include the price if you have not had a refund or replacement. You can claim from the manufacturer under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 only if claiming more than £275, the item was unsafe and the damage was not to business property. Under £275, you may claim for negligence. An insurance claim may be quicker but could raise your premiums. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 6 yearsTime limit for a court claim6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 5 years in Scotland
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Make the area safe and stop using the product.
Step 2 of 5
Photograph the damage and keep the product.
Step 3 of 5
Write to the seller with your losses and evidence. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
Check your home insurance.
Step 5 of 5
Report unsafe products through Citizens Advice.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Retailer's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and say which remedy you want.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice, and help deciding whether to start a small claim, once the seller has not put it right.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Get repair quotes in writing to support your claim.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/claim-compensation-if-an-item-or-product-causes-damage Checked 13 October 2026
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/what-do-if-problems-arise-supplied-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/deciding-whether-to-make-a-small-claim Checked 8 October 2026