What is an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty, also known as an extended service contract, is a type of service contract that provides additional protection against repair costs and related expenses, once the manufacturer's warranty expires. An extended warranty allows you to have repair coverage for a preset period of time, such as 1-3 years after the original manufacturer's warranty ends. Key Benefits of an Extended Warranty
There are some key potential benefits to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase an extended warranty: Reduced Repair Costs Extended warranties help cover the cost of repairs, replacements, or refunds if a covered part breaks or stops working properly after the manufacturer's warranty expires. Without an extended warranty, you'd typically have to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs. Peace of Mind Knowing you have coverage for future potential issues can give you peace of mind. An Extended Warranty takes some of the financial risk off your shoulders if a costly repair is needed down the road. Increased Resale Value An unused extended warranty that's still valid can make a product more appealing and valuable if you decide to sell or trade it in later. The warranty demonstrates to buyers that you've provided extra protection to the item. Items Covered Beyond Normal Wear & Tear While manufacturer's warranties only cover defects, many extended warranties also cover repair costs from accidental damage or normal wear and tear. This provides more comprehensive protection for issues that come up over time. Factors to Consider Before Purchasing
Before committing to an extended warranty, it's important to evaluate factors like cost, coverage exclusions, and alternatives to make sure it makes financial sense for your needs: Upfront Cost Versus Potential Repair Costs
Extended warranties aren't cheap - they can add hundreds of dollars to the purchase price of an item. Consider whether it's worth paying now versus potentially facing a large repair bill later. Also compare the warranty cost against how likely repairs may be needed. Coverage Exclusions
Carefully review what's excluded from coverage like damage from power surges, lack of maintenance, unauthorized repairs, and other limitations. The exclusions could negate the value of purchasing the warranty. Manufacturer's Warranty Length
If the manufacturer already provides a length warranty like 2-3 years, you may not need to extend coverage since repairs are unlikely in the first few years of ownership for many products. Used Versus New Purchase
Extended warranties usually don't transfer if you sell the item. So they're less practical for used items which are more likely to need repairs sooner versus later in their lifespan. Home or Renters Insurance Alternative
Some home/renters policies provide extended protection against repair costs for covered items like appliances and electronics. Check your existing coverage first before extending separately. Do Your Research
Read reviews and compare multiple extended warranty options from different providers to find the most comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price tailored to your needs. Don't let pushy sales tactics compel you into a purchase either. Product Reliability Factors
Consider the brand's reputation for quality and reliability as well. Well-made products from reputable brands are less likely to need repairs compared to lower-quality or no-name brands. Popular Items to Extend Coverage On
While extended warranties can potentially provide value for many large electronic items or appliances, some of the most common products people chose to extend warranties on include: Televisions As television technology improves rapidly, older TVs can become outdated and repairs costly. An extended warranty gives multi-year protection for this central home device. Laptop Computers Laptops face risks of accidental damage from daily use. Loose components and heat issues also commonly cause laptop repairs later in their lifespan. Home Appliances Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators are expensive to replace entirely if they breakdown outside warranty coverage. Extending appliance warranties eases this risk. Cell Phones With cell phones constantly needing repairs from cracked screens or other wear and tear issues over 2-3 years of ownership, extended warranties can save repair costs. Weigh the potential benefits versus costs of an extended warranty based on factors like your product, usage habits, existing coverage, repair likelihood and reliability of the brand. Do research to understand what's covered and find the best value. An extended warranty may provide peace of mind for expensive purchases you rely on, but isn't always necessary or worth the extra cost. Evaluate your individual needs to determine if it makes financial sense.
About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)