Repair first: extending product life, reducing environmental impact

Every day, smartphones, tablets and household appliances are damaged or break down. While replacement has often been the default response, repair can provide a faster, more resource-efficient alternative.

By prioritizing repair and refurbishment whenever possible, Redion’s protection and assistance solutions help customers extend the life of everyday products, reduce waste and support a more circular economy.

Keeping connected devices in use longer

When a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch is damaged, replacement is not always the best answer. Today, Redion resolves around 75% to 80% of device protection claims through repair rather than replacement. Devices are collected, repaired and returned to customers within two to three days, helping customers get back online quickly while extending the life of their equipment.

The environmental benefits are significant. According to international studies, most of a smartphone’s environmental footprint is generated during the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing. Extending the life of devices through repair and refurbishment can therefore have a meaningful impact. The European Environmental Bureau estimates that extending the lifetime of smartphones by just one year across Europe could save around 2.1 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to removing nearly one million cars from the road.

When a repair is not possible, customers receive a refurbished device of a similar model rather than a new replacement. This keeps valuable materials in use for longer, reduces waste and limits the need for new manufacturing. By prioritizing repair first and refurbishment second, Redion supports a more circular approach to electronics consumption.

“Protection products can do more than compensate for a loss. By making repair the default option and refurbishment the preferred alternative when replacement is necessary, we help customers protect what matters to them while reducing the environmental impact associated with premature replacement,” says Florent Guillaume, Chief Commercial Officer Non-Motor, Insurance Distribution Partnerships (IDP).

Key figures


  • 75-80% of claims resolved through repair rather than replacement
  • 2-3 days for collection, repair and return
  • Refurbished devices provided when replacement is required

Repairing home appliances instead of replacing them

The same philosophy is being applied across Redion’s Home & Living activities. Rather than encouraging customers to replace a faulty appliance, Redion’s repair-first solutions connect households with qualified technicians who can diagnose and repair the problem, helping customers return to normal as quickly as possible. This approach extends the lifespan of household appliances, reduces waste and avoids the environmental impacts associated with manufacturing, transporting and disposing of replacement products.

“When an appliance breaks down, customers want a solution that is both simple and effective. Repair-first services help restore everyday life quickly while extending the life of products that people rely on in their homes,” explains Tanguy Caradec, Global Head of Home & Living.

Redion already offers home appliance repair solutions in several Mediterranean, Eastern and Northern European markets, where repair is prioritized over replacement whenever possible. This approach supports both household resilience and more sustainable consumption by keeping products in use for longer.

The relevance of such solutions is reflected in consumer expectations. Internal research found that 76% of Europeans are concerned about reducing their environmental footprint at home.

Turning sustainability into everyday action

Repairing a damaged smartphone, refurbishing a device instead of replacing it, or fixing a household appliance rather than discarding it may seem like small actions. Yet, multiplied across thousands of claims managed by Redion every year, these choices can make a meaningful difference.

By prioritizing repair and reuse, Redion’s protection and assistance solutions demonstrate how innovation can help customers reduce their environmental footprint through simple, practical actions that fit seamlessly into daily life. They also support a more circular economy, where products are kept in use for longer and resources are used more efficiently.

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