How to buy second hand without risking your home insurance

Key takeaways

• Buying second-hand can be a great way to save money but can be risky if you’re purchasing electrical products such as fridges, freezers and cookers

• Without relevant safety certificates or proof of purchase, this can be problematic when making a claim on your home insurance

• Before buying, make sure any used appliance has been properly tested and that it comes with the right documentation

Second-hand shopping is very popular right now, with cash-strapped households turning to used and preloved appliances, furniture and gadgets in a bid to both cut costs and reduce waste.

But while it can be a simple way to save money, failure to carry out the right checks could mean you end up seriously out of pocket if something goes wrong.

Missing receipts, or lost proof of purchase or safety certificates may make it harder to claim on your home insurance after theft, damage or a fire.

How can I take extra care when buying electrical items?

You need to be extra vigilant when purchasing big-ticket white goods and other electrical products, such as fridges, cookers, and washing machines.

This is especially the case if you buy through resale platforms, online marketplaces or private sellers.

These items carry more risk if they haven’t been properly checked, repaired or refurbished; you want to avoid putting your home and your safety at risk.

What do I need to know about fire-prone appliances?

Some of the most frequently listed items on resale sites include fridges, freezers, cookers, and hot plates.

While these are all everyday essentials, when overlaid against Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics, it also turns out they are among the most common culprits in domestic fires.

How can I understand the risks?

Many pre-owned items are sold without safety checks, warranties, or proof of purchase, which not only increases the chance of faults but can also make it harder to claim on insurance if something goes wrong.

It’s important to understand the ‘overlap’ between popular second-hand listings and the appliances most frequently linked to house fires – faulty appliances are responsible for thousands of accidental house fires.

Understanding these risks can help you make safer, more informed choices.

What are the most fire-prone household appliances?

How can I stay safe while saving money?

• Check whether any used appliance you plan on buying has been properly tested or refurbished

• Keep hold of any paperwork which comes with the purchase

• Read safety labels carefully

• If you’re in any doubt over safety, do not proceed

Am I covered by my home insurance?

The key when purchasing second-hand – and particularly when it comes to big-ticket items – is to check whether they are included under your home insurance policy. This can help avoid problems further down the line.

Insurance does the job it’s designed to do best when you have receipts and other paperwork to hand as this can make the claims process a lot smoother if something goes wrong.

How can I minimise risk when using appliances?

Even on a budget, a few simple precautions can help prevent accidents and costly damage:

• Buy new appliances where possible, as they usually come with warranties, safety certificates and proof of purchase, reducing the risk of electrical faults

• Check for British or European safety marks to ensure products meet recognised health and safety standards

• Keep electrical appliances well away from water sources, and switch off the power if there’s any risk of contact

• Unplug unused appliances overnight – apart from fridges and freezers – and avoid running washing machines or tumble dryers while you’re asleep

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Our expert says

Buying second-hand can save money, while also being good for the environment, but going about it the wrong way could end up costing you more in the long run.

“We always recommend checking any used appliance has been properly tested or refurbished, and that it comes with the right documentation. Insurance is designed to protect you, but it works best when you have the right information and paperwork in place.”

What questions should I ask before buying second-hand appliances?

To help shoppers stay safe, MoneySuperMarket Home Insurance spoke to former Fire Service Commander, Steve Dudeney, who shared the key things you need to ask before purchasing a used electrical appliance:

Why is it being sold?

“Always ask the reason for the sale. If it’s due to a house move, an upgrade, or downsizing, that’s reassuring. But if the seller is vague or admits the item has faults, take that as a clear warning sign.”

Does it pass the sniff test?

“Inspect and test the item before buying. Plug it in, check that it works, and watch out for unusual noises or overheating. If you detect a burning smell around the plug or motor, walk away. It’s a strong indicator of electrical damage.”

Has it ever been recalled?

“Check whether the product has been recalled by the manufacturer using the Gov.uk product recall database. A recalled item should never be sold or reused.”

Is the bargain really worth it?

“Whenever possible, buy from reputable sources such as charity shops, authorised resellers, or retailers that provide a guarantee or returns policy.”

What should I do if a fire breaks out?

Steve Dudeney says: “If you ever suspect an electrical fire, remember your safety comes first. These fires can spread rapidly, so get everyone out of the house immediately and call 999 once you’re safely outside.

“Never go back inside to collect belongings – your possessions can be replaced, but your life can’t.

“Once it’s safe to do so, take photos and notes of any damage to support your insurance claim, and contact your insurer as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps you recover faster and ensures a smoother claims process.”

How do I get the right level of home insurance?

An electrical fire can cause significant damage, both financially and emotionally. That’s why having the right home insurance is essential.

Home insurance offers financial support to cover the cost of any loss or damage caused by unavoidable events such as fire, flood, or theft. Together, buildings insurance and contents insurance help ensure that both your home and everything in it are protected, giving you peace of mind.

Start comparing home insurance quotes with us today and make sure your home, and everything in it, is properly protected. We can do the hard work for you, helping you find the right cover at the best price, saving you both time and money.