Domestic & General

Introduction

Founded in 1912, Domestic & General (D&G) is a multinational insurance and appliance care provider, headquartered in Wimbledon, London. It has around 16 million customers and protects 23 million home appliances – ranging from cookers and washing machines to boilers and televisions. D&G’s core markets span the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia, and the business has a growing presence in the United States.

D&G is a specialist warranty provider, working with over 160 UK and international brands, including many global manufacturers, retailers and financial services clients.

History

Domestic & General’s story began with its founder, Samuel William Copley, who was born in Huddersfield, England in 1859.

As a child, he worked in his father’s many businesses, which included a barbershop, a mineral water factory and a bakery – where he made havercakes (a type of bread product made from oats and water). He went on to train as a tailor and had a stint in hairdressing, before moving overseas to Australia where he expanded into real estate.

1912

By 1912, Samuel Copley had become a successful land owner and was involved in property development, cattle-raising and public transport. On his return to Great Britain and unable to find insurance for his cattle during transit, he formed the Western Australian Insurance Company (WAICO) in July of that year.

1914-1978

WAICO quickly expanded into eastern Australia and started operating in London from 1914, which ultimately became the administrative head office of the business.

Over the years, D&G (and its sister companies) went on to deal in many products. But in 1950, it was the introduction of breakdown cover on televisions that proved to be a major business breakthrough. From this point, D&G grew rapidly, as the business responded to the changing lifestyles of the day.

Protection of kitchen equipment was introduced in 1977 and central heating followed in 1978.

1988-2013

D&G was floated in 1988 and became fully listed on the London Stock Exchange. Martin Copley – former Chairman and grandson of Samuel Copley – retired in June 1998 and returned to Perth, ending the last Copley family link.

In November 2007, D&G again became privately owned when it was bought by Advent International.

2013-2023

In December 2013, the business was bought by CVC – one of the world’s leading private equity and investment advisory firms. In 2019, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) bought an investment in D&G, while CVC remained the majority shareholder.

From July 2016, Ian Mason held the position of CEO. Ian died suddenly of a heart attack in April 2021 at the age of 59.

D&G is currently led by CEO Matthew Crummack, who joined the business in October 2021.

Offices and Operations

D&G operates across 12 markets and employs around 3,000 people. It has offices in:

• Australia
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Portugal
• Spain
• UK
• USA

Domestic & General Services Ltd is responsible for service, maintenance and support plans in the United Kingdom, while Domestic & General Insurance PLC is responsible for insurance policies. Domestic & General Insurance Europe AG is responsible for insurance policies in the Republic of Ireland.

Partnerships with other brands

D&G works with over 160 UK and international brands to provide insurance plans and aftercare for a wide range of household appliances, domestic products and consumer electronics. Brands include John Lewis, EDF, AO, Bosch, Sky and Whirlpool.

D&G became a member of onHand in 2022, an initiative to engage employees in local volunteering and climate action.

Sponsorship

Domestic & General (D&G) was the Official Warranty Provider to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.