The French online marketplace Leboncoin, recognised as the country’s second largest e-commerce platform and a leader in the pre-owned goods space, has partnered with the French insurtech firm Neat to launch an innovative “Protection Panne” scheme. This new offering covers used electronics and household appliances purchased via leboncoin, whenever the transaction uses its integrated payment tools. The collaboration marks a first for Europe in enabling private peer-to-peer resale of non-refurbished items with embedded breakdown protection.

Market research conducted for leboncoin revealed that nearly one in two French people refrain from buying used goods because of concerns over malfunctions. With the launch of the Protection Panne product, leboncoin and Neat aim to lower that barrier: 55 % of respondents said they would buy more second-hand items if they had such a guarantee, and 70 % felt that the protection would make the buying experience as safe as purchasing new.

Under this scheme, coverage is included at the point of sale and activates once the item is delivered and confirmed as compliant. No additional action is required from the seller. In the event of a fault, a video consultation enables Neat to assess whether the item can be repaired; if so, the buyer may receive a DIY tutorial, a voucher for shipping to a skilled partner repairer in France, or an in-home visit for large items. If repair is not viable, the buyer is reimbursed.