Accidental Damage vs. Normal Wear: Furniture Warranties Explained

When you invest in quality furniture, you want it to last as long as possible. However, everyday life can take a toll on your furniture, leading to both accidental damage and normal wear and tear.

Understanding the difference between these two types of damage is crucial, especially when considering a furniture protection plan.

Let’s break down these concepts and explain how Safeware’s Furniture Protection Plans can save you money by covering accidental damage, while normal wear and tear remains your responsibility.

What Is Accidental Damage?

Accidental damage refers to unforeseen and sudden incidents that cause harm to your furniture. This type of damage occurs unexpectedly and often involves a single event.

Examples of accidental damage include:

• Spills: A glass of red wine tipping over onto your white sofa, leaving a stubborn stain.
• Scratches: A pet accidentally (let's be honest: if it's a cat, probably intentionally) scratching the surface of your leather couch.
• Breakage: A chair leg snapping when someone leans back too far.
• Tears or Rips: A sharp object puncturing the fabric of your recliner.

These incidents are unintentional, and while they may seem minor at first, they can lead to costly repairs or even the need for replacement if left unaddressed.

What Is Normal Wear and Tear?

Normal wear and tear, on the other hand, refers to the gradual deterioration of your furniture over time due to regular use.

It’s the natural aging process of any item and includes:

• Fading: Colors of fabric or leather becoming less vibrant due to exposure to sunlight.
• Flattening: Cushions losing their firmness after years of sitting.
• Scuffing: Minor scuffs and scratches that appear on wooden surfaces from everyday use.
• Loose Joints: Furniture joints becoming slightly loose or squeaky after prolonged use.

Normal wear and tear is expected and unavoidable. However, it is typically not covered by protection plans, as it’s not caused by a sudden or accidental event but rather the passage of time and use.

How Do Furniture Protection Plans Cover Accidental Damage?

Safeware’s Furniture Protection Plans are designed to provide peace of mind by covering accidental damage that could otherwise lead to expensive repairs or replacements.

If an accident occurs, such as a spill or a break, your protection plan will kick in to cover the repair costs or provide a replacement if necessary. It is very important that you report the incident as soon as it occurs.

It’s important to note that protection plans do not cover normal wear and tear. Since wear and tear is considered a natural part of using your furniture, it's your responsibility to manage and maintain your furniture over time.

Reporting Damage: Timing Is Key

One crucial aspect of getting the most out of your protection plan is reporting damage promptly. If an accident occurs, you should report it to Safeware as soon as possible. Immediate reporting ensures that the damage is classified as accidental and covered under your plan.

Accumulated damage—which occurs when an issue isn’t reported right away and worsens over time—may not be covered. For example, a small spill that isn’t cleaned up or reported promptly can lead to a larger stain or even structural damage over time, which may be considered normal wear and tear or neglect, and therefore not covered by the plan. 

Timeline for Safeware's Furniture Protection Plans:

• You have 10 days to report an accident or stain. 
• You have 30 days to report a manufacturer defect. 
• There is an exception to this rule, if you were away from your home for an extended period and damage was done while you were gone then your claim will be covered. For example, you were on vacation and your dog had multiple accidents on your couch while you were on your trip, your claim will be approved.  
  

Safeware Claims examples:

• Approved Pet Damage Claim: A customer in Missouri just brought home their new puppy who they left unsupervised for a short period of time. When they returned to their living room, the puppy had chewed the bottom corners of their recliner.
   
  • Claim's process: The customer immediately submitted a claim via https://www.safeware.com/Solution-Center/Report-New-Claim. Once they were connected with an adjuster, the customer emailed multiple photos of the damaged corners and a full shot of the recliner. 
    
    
  • The claim's adjuster assigned a servicer who repaired their recliner in-home which was covered completely with their Safeware Protection Plan.
    

Customer photo of approved pet damage from puppy.

• Denied Pet Damage Claim: A customer brought home 2 puppies who damaged the customer's sofa. While the damage appears similar to the one above, the primary difference is the customer reported that the damage occurred between the end of 2023 through May 2024. This created two issues: 

1. 1. Time to report: The customer waited much past the 10 days to report the accidental incident or create a claim.
   2. Accumulated damage: Due to waiting to report, the incidents began to accumulate as multiple incidents over time.
      

Customer photo of denied pet damage from puppy.

How to Maximize the Value of Your Protection Plan

To make the most of your furniture protection plan, remember these key points:

• Understand the Coverage: Familiarize yourself with what is and isn’t covered under your plan, especially the distinction between accidental damage and normal wear and tear. 
  • For example, Safeware has one-time coverages for seam separation, zippers, and cushion cores that are a one-time benefit of $50 per cushion. But, many other protection plan companies do not offer these benefits.
    

• Report Accidents Immediately: Don’t wait to see if a spill or break “gets better” on its own—report it right away to ensure coverage.
• Regular Maintenance: While protection plans cover accidental damage, maintaining your furniture through regular cleaning and care will help reduce the impact of normal wear and tear, keeping your pieces looking their best for longer.

By understanding the difference between accidental damage and normal wear, and by taking advantage of Safeware’s Furniture Protection Plans, you can protect your investment and save money on costly repairs or replacements.