How to Understand the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Passed in 1975, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was designed to protect consumers in disputes involving consumer product warranties. Under this Act, manufacturers who offer warranties are required to provide consumers with a clear description of the warranty.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Learn the three requirements of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The first requirement stipulates that written warranties for consumer products costing over $10 must be designated as either full or limited.

2. The second requirement stipulates that businesses must provide any warranty information in a single document that is easy to read and understand.

3. The third requirement stipulates that sellers offering must make any warranties available at the product's point of sale. Consumers should have the opportunity to read the warranty before purchasing.

4. Know your rights. If you feel that the warranty has been breached, you can sue, and the law states that your court costs and attorney fees must be reimbursed if you win. Bring the warranty along with proof of purchase and any evidence of the product's malfunction to an attorney experienced in consumer law. You could also seek mediation via a third party such as the Better Business Bureau (see Resources below).

5. Protect yourself. If you purchase a warrantied product, read the warranty beforehand and keep it in a safe place afterwards.

6. Learn more about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act at the Federal Trade Commission Web site (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• A full warranty covers anyone who owns the product during the warranty period, not just the first purchaser. Full warranties are free and offer a replacement or a refund if a defective product cannot be repaired. If a warranty doesn't meet any of the preceding conditions, it is a limited warranty.
• Realize that the Act does not compel any business to provide a written warranty on its products. It merely establishes standards of conduct for those businesses that choose to offer written warranties.
• Verbal warranties, warranties on services, warranties on products that you purchase for commercial use and warranties on products that you bought to resell are not covered by Magnuson-Moss.

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