If you’re like me, you probably check on the type of warranty an appliance comes with before actually making the purchase. With the high cost of appliances today, you want to know that if something does break down, you won’t be stuck with high repair bills! However, what happens when something breaks that the warranty doesn’t cover? Or if something breaks down after the warranty is over? Here is some information on warranties and some helpful tips.
What Do Standard Manufacturer’s Appliance Warranties Cover?
Most standard manufacturer’s appliance warranties are usually good for one year from the date of purchase. Although consumers consider them "full warranties" that cover anything that may go wrong with their appliance, most warranties are actually “limited” warranties. That means there are certain limits to what they’ll cover. On some appliances, the owner may be responsible for paying for shipping costs, a processing fee, or the cost of the labor.
It would be almost impossible to list everything that’s covered in a manufacturer’s warranty because every appliance and manufacturer is different. The one thing they all have in common is that they do not cover normal wear and tear. They generally cover parts and labor for the major components that serve to make the appliance function. They also will not cover any part that’s broken due to the owner’s negligence or failure to follow the operating directions.
What Are Your Options if the Warranty is Over?
If your appliance breaks down when it’s out of warranty, try contacting the store where you purchased the appliance. Even if the warranty is expired, they may give you a deal on parts and/or service. Sometimes, the store may offer an extended warranty to help you out. I would not consider this unless the cost of the extended warranty is less than what the repairs would cost.
If the store where you purchased the appliance can't help you, ask for a list of authorized service technicians for your brand of appliance. If they’re authorized appliance repair technicians for your brand, you may get a break, or they may be able to access help for you online. At the very least, you’ll have an appliance repair technician who is trained to work on your specific brand.
What to Look for in an Appliance Repair Shop?
When you’re trying to find an appliance repair shop, look for the following things.
- Good reputation
- Emergency appliance repair
- Credit Card friendly
- Reasonable prices
- Full-service hours of operation
What about Extended Warranties?
Seldom can we make any kind of electronic or major purchase without being asked if we want to purchase an extended warranty. Although they make it sound like a great deal, Consumer Reports recommends not getting an extended warranty. However, they do recommend buying appliances with major credit cards because they often double the life of your original warranty.
The main reason is because they’re generally too expensive. If it’s more than 20% of the price of the appliance, it’s definitely too much. And really, most appliances last a long time. If they do break down, more often than not, it's during the standard warranty period.
