Extended Warranties Vs. Manufacturer

Do your items need protection?

Retailers often offer extended warranties or protection agreements with the products they sell. Though manufacturers often include a warranty, an extended warranty can save on repair costs.

Manufacturer's Warranties

A typical manufacturer warranty lasts for up to a year. These kinds of warranties only include what the company deems "manufacturing defects."

Extended Warranties

An extended warranty replicates the terms and agreements in the manufacturer's warranty and extends the allotted time that the product is covered.

Protection Agreements

Retailers who offer protection or service agreements will extend the warranty's length as well as additional services such as yearly maintenance.

Extended Warranties Vs. Protection Agreements

Protection agreements make a worthwhile investment on expensive items such as HDTVs, if they offer yearly maintenance. Those who purchase protection agreements can utilize their service contract even if their product doesn't break down. Extended warranties only extend the length of coverage.

When to Buy an Extended Warranty or Protection Agreement

Know the terms before purchasing any agreement. Protection agreements that offer additional services can generally be a worthy buy, depending on the cost. Extended warranties, on the other hand, are often a waste of money when things don't go wrong.

References

• LCD TV Buying Guide: Extended Warranties For LCD TV and Monitors