Whenever it is time to buy a new laptop, there are a lot of things to consider. One you may forget about? Purchasing an extended warranty! A laptop is a la Another consideration that goes along with buying a laptop is whether or not to buy an extended warranty. There are many pros and cons of an extended laptop warranty, and it depends on the individual whether it will be a good purchase or not.
Which you purchase a new laptop, it comes with a warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty typically lasts for a year. Manufacturer's warranties only covers repairs or replacements that are needed as a result of a manufacturing defect. Basically, they cover any problems that the laptop may have come with.
Extended warranties, on the other hand, offer more extensive protection than the manufacturer's warranty, such as longer warranty coverage and additional coverage, like coverage for accidental damage. Each warranty is different and covers different things, so you need to make sure you understand the terms and conditions of an extended warranty policy. However, there are a few things that most extended warranties won't cover no matter where you buy your policy from.
- This one seems obvious, but most extended warranties do not cover intentional damage to the laptop. If you or someone else intentionally breaks or damages the laptop (and they can prove it), extended warranties will often not cover the repairs or cost for a new laptop.
- Most extended warranties will not cover a lost or stolen laptop. Since laptops are mobile devices, they can be easily left or stolen in public spaces. Laptops are at risk anywhere, even coffee shops, libraries, on college campuses. Some companies will add coverage for a lost or stolen laptop with a more expensive extended warranty, though.
- Some extended warranties won't replace certain parts after a year. You might think you are covered for a full two years on all kinds of problems that might come up, but that might not be the case. In some warranties, the battery, for example, is only covered for the first year. It's all in the fine print, so make sure to read the paperwork before you buy the extended coverage.
- Many extended warranties decline to cover damage from computer viruses. Computer viruses can destroy an entire laptop. Security protection, like anti-virus software helps prevent this, but some viruses can get past even the best software. Depending on the warranty, you may not be covered.
- Back to the fine-print, some warranties cover the repair, but not the cost of shipping the laptop to their repair facilities. Others may offer home repair service guaranteed within 24 hours of filing a claim, but if it's a problem that requires the device to be shipped, charge extra for overnight shipping.
Extended warranties help consumers plan for laptop-related expenses. However, there is a lot of fine print and exceptions that go along with extended warranties, so be sure you understand what you're buying when you buy it.
