Mounting a television on your wall seems deceptively simple. Just drill a few holes, screw in some brackets, and you’re sorted—right? Not exactly. The stakes are surprisingly high when you’re hanging an expensive piece of tech above your favourite sofa. One mistake could mean a smashed telly, damaged wall, or worse….injuries to family members.
I’ve been in this situation myself. Two years ago, I decided to DIY mount my new 55-inch OLED. Let’s just say it didn’t go according to plan, and I ended up with a cracked screen & a rather large hole in my plasterboard. £1,200 down the drain because I wanted to save a few quid on professional installation.
Professional TV mounting services offer significant liability protections that most homeowners don’t consider until it’s too late. These protections aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential safeguards for your property, your expensive electronics, & your peace of mind.
1. Insurance Coverage for Property Damage
Registered TV mounting services MUST carry comprehensive insurance. This isn’t optional in the UK—it’s a requirement for legitimate operations. When I finally wised up and hired a registered service, the first thing they did was show me proof of their £2 million public liability insurance.
This insurance covers any accidental damage to your property during installation. Imagine a technician accidentally drilling through a water pipe (happens more often than you’d think). Without proper insurance, you could be left dealing with a flooded lounge and thousands in repair costs.
Most respectable companies carry between £1-5 million in coverage. Always ask to see their insurance certificate before work begins. Don’t just take their word for it—verify the policy is current and covers the specific services they’re performing in your home.
2. Protection Against TV Damage
What happens if your brand-new television gets damaged during installation? With a registered service, you’re covered. Reputable companies offer guarantees that protect your equipment throughout the mounting process.
I remember chatting with my installer about this very thing. He explained that their policy included coverage for any accidental damage to my TV during installation—up to the full replacement value. This wasn’t just talk either; they documented the condition of my television before beginning work, taking photos of existing scratches or marks to prevent disputes later.
Some companies even extend this protection beyond the installation day, covering any issues that might arise from mounting failures in the weeks or months afterward. This extended protection can be invaluable if brackets begin to fail or wall anchors start to pull away.
3. Warranty on Installation Work
Registered mounting services typically provide warranties on their workmanship. This is CRUCIAL protection that DIY efforts simply can’t match. The standard warranty period ranges from 12 months to 5 years, depending on the company.
The warranty typically covers issues like brackets becoming loose, mounts tilting unexpectedly, or any other problems related to the installation itself. If something goes wrong during the warranty period, they’ll return and fix it without additional charges.
During my professional installation, the technician explained that their 24-month warranty covered not just the hardware they installed but also any wall repairs needed if the mount failed. That kind of comprehensive coverage gives you real peace of mind when you’re watching telly beneath a 30kg wall-mounted screen!
4. Compliance with Building Regulations
Here’s something most people don’t realise: mounting a TV incorrectly could actually violate UK building regulations in certain circumstances. Registered services understand these requirements and ensure installations comply with all relevant codes.
This is particularly important when mounting to non-standard walls or in listed buildings. Professionals know which walls can support the weight, what special brackets might be needed for specific wall types, and when additional structural support is required.
My Victorian terrace home has some peculiar walls—a mix of lathe and plaster, brick, and modern plasterboard. The mounting service immediately identified which walls were suitable and which weren’t, saving me from potential regulatory headaches (not to mention a collapsed TV). They also provided documentation certifying that the installation met all applicable standards, which could be valuable if I ever decide to sell my home.
5. Electrical Safety Certifications
Many TV installations involve some electrical work—running cables through walls, installing additional outlets, or setting up complex entertainment systems. A registered service employs or partners with qualified electricians who can safely handle these tasks.
In the UK, electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. Registered mounting services typically have NICEIC or ELECSA certified technicians who can provide the necessary certifications for any electrical modifications.
This protects you in multiple ways. First, it ensures the work is safe and won’t cause electrical hazards. Second, it provides documentation that may be required by your home insurance policy. And third, it shields you from liability if problems arise later. My installer provided a minor electrical works certificate for the new outlet they installed behind my TV—something I wouldn’t have known to request if I’d hired an unregistered handyman.
6. Professional Indemnity Insurance
Beyond standard liability insurance, registered services typically carry professional indemnity insurance. This specialized coverage protects against claims arising from errors or omissions in professional advice or service.
This becomes relevant if, for instance, a mounting service recommends a particular bracket that later proves unsuitable for your wall type or television model. With professional indemnity insurance, you’re protected against losses resulting from such mistakes.
I found this particularly reassuring when my installer suggested a specific swivel mount for my corner installation. They explained that their recommendation was backed by their professional indemnity coverage—if it proved unsuitable for any reason, they’d replace it with a more appropriate solution at no cost to me.
7. Structured Dispute Resolution Process
Despite everyone’s best efforts, sometimes things go wrong. A registered service provides you with defined channels for addressing complaints or disputes. This formal structure offers significant protection compared to dealing with an unregistered installer who might simply disappear if problems arise.
Most established mounting companies have clear complaint procedures, often with escalation paths to management or even independent dispute resolution services. Many are also members of trade associations like the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), which provides additional avenues for mediation.
When choosing my installer, I checked their reviews specifically looking for how they handled the occasional negative feedback. The company I selected had responded professionally to every complaint, offering solutions rather than excuses. That approach gave me confidence they’d stand behind their work if anything went wrong.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a registered TV mounting service isn’t just about getting a professional-looking installation—it’s about protecting yourself from significant liability. The seven protections outlined above create a safety net that simply doesn’t exist with DIY approaches or unregistered installers.
After my own costly mistake trying to save a few pounds, I can tell you that the extra cost of professional installation is negligible compared to the potential risks. Most registered services charge between £80-150 depending on your TV size and mounting requirements—a small price to pay for comprehensive protection & peace of mind. Trust me on this one: some things are worth paying professionals to handle, and hanging your expensive television is definitely one of them!