How Much Warranty Should I Get on a Dell Laptop?

Dell laptops have a limited hardware warranty.

Buy the Extended Warranty

Dell laptops come with a standard one-year warranty. After that expires, you're on your own if your laptop breaks, unless you buy an extended warranty. According to NotebookReview.com, a standard warranty is limited and may not cover home repair, if you drop it, theft or fire. An extended warranty offers more coverage.

Forget the Extended Warranty

You don't have to buy an extended warranty for a laptop. Consumer Reports says extended warranties don't cover all repairs, laptops seldom break after the standard warranty expires, and if your laptop does break, the repairs cost about the same as the extended warranty.

Bottom Line

Purchasing extended warranty coverage for your Dell laptop is a choice but is not necessary. According to PCWorld, if a computer is going to break, it will happen during the first year of ownership, within the standard warranty coverage period. The standard warranty is included with the purchase price of the laptop. If your computer breaks and you didn't purchase an extended warranty, you can pay for support from a Dell technician.

References

• Dell: Dell Terms of Sale, License Agreements and Policies
• PCWorld: Are Extended Warranties Worth It?
• Consumer Reports: Money: Why You Don't Need an Extended Warranty
• NotebookReview.com: Notebook Warranty Guide