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What is a Warranty?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

A warranty is a statement by the seller or manufacturer of a product that it will perform in the manner specified. Warranties exist on numerous products, from small electronics, to infomercial products, to homes and automobiles. Either the seller or the manufacturer dictates the extent to which warranties apply.

Some warranties also apply to certain types of services. For instance if you get new brakes on your car, the work and materials may be guaranteed to work appropriately for a specified time period or a specified number of miles. Many products can be sold “as is” which means any problems with the product will not be covered by warranty.

Automobiles often have warranties that cover repairs for three years or more.
Automobiles often have warranties that cover repairs for three years or more.

In the event that a product or service fails to perform as promised, the warranty may make repairs or exchanges of the product easier. There are some obligations that the purchaser must fulfill. If you have a warranty on a car for instance, and you run that car into a tree, you generally won’t get free repairs since your action, whether accident or not, constitutes a misuse of the car. However if your car is under warranty and the engine falls out of it while you’re driving, you may be entitled to free or reduced price repairs.

Warranties on equipment usually doesn't cover misuse.
Warranties on equipment usually doesn't cover misuse.

As a consumer, you should realize that not all warranties are equal. They may be limited to term, they may have limitations that apply to the misuse of any product, and they may also cover only certain things. Car warranties for instance, may not cover things like seat covers, tires or brakes, unless these things immediately upon purchase have problems. Many automobile warranties specify exactly which parts of the car are covered.

Product warranty protection coverage guarantees the product to be free of any flaws in workmanship and materials used.
Product warranty protection coverage guarantees the product to be free of any flaws in workmanship and materials used.

This can also apply to small electronic devices. A warranty for a blender might cover the motor of the blender, but not the blades. Additionally, some warranties will require that you advance some money for repairs, or send your purchase away to the manufacturer for repairs, for which you may pay shipping costs.

Many companies are in the business of selling extended warranties, including automobile dealers, especially for used cars, and many of the Big Box electronics stores. These extended warranties may or may not be worth their purchase price. When these extended types offers you instant replacement of a broken item, and are relatively inexpensive, they may be worth their purchase price. When they’re highly expensive, more than the actual cost of replacing the item, they’re not worth it.

Warranties exist on homes.
Warranties exist on homes.

The consumer may void warranties and guarantees. For instance, many mattresses are sold with time warranties. A mattress might be guaranteed not to pit, break or collapse in three years, ten years or even fifteen or twenty. Consumers should realize that any staining of the mattress voids these guarantees, in almost every circumstance. Instead of selling extended warranties, some mattress dealers offer stain guard protection.

Car warranties may not cover seat covers.
Car warranties may not cover seat covers.

In order to get your warranty to work, you must have used the item in the manner specified, and you should hold onto your receipt for any items or services under warranty. Before buying any extended warranties, read the fine print, to make sure that the price is worth the extension of coverage. You may also be required to fill out a product registration card, but read your warranties on any items to make sure this is required. Often, all that is needed is a copy of the initial agreement of the seller and the receipt.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

honeysuckle

In today's world, if I can buy anything that has a warranty, I do. Things are not made like they used to be, so the peace of mind of a warranty is worth the few extra dollars it might cost.

I recently bought a used car and got a vehicle warranty on it. You just never know what repairs might crop up--even things the dealer maybe did not know about. The warranty lasts two years and that is two years I can rest a little easier. Buying products with warranties is just smart in my opinion.

anon160195

this article is pretty okay. i would tell my friend about using this website but it should also give more info and examples.

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    • Automobiles often have warranties that cover repairs for three years or more.
      By: Tomasz Zajda
      Automobiles often have warranties that cover repairs for three years or more.
    • Warranties on equipment usually doesn't cover misuse.
      By: Feng Yu
      Warranties on equipment usually doesn't cover misuse.
    • Product warranty protection coverage guarantees the product to be free of any flaws in workmanship and materials used.
      By: Mike
      Product warranty protection coverage guarantees the product to be free of any flaws in workmanship and materials used.
    • Warranties exist on homes.
      By: Monkey Business
      Warranties exist on homes.
    • Car warranties may not cover seat covers.
      By: monstersparrow
      Car warranties may not cover seat covers.
    • A car warranty usually stipulates a specific length of time or a limit on mileage.
      By: peshkova
      A car warranty usually stipulates a specific length of time or a limit on mileage.