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So you’re setting up a new device, but things don’t seem right. Sure enough, a couple of months go by, and your television or smartphone appears to be defective. Unless you’ve opted into a store or manufacturer protection plan, you might be out of luck. Thankfully, most electronic devices are covered under warranty for a while. You need to know how a warranty works if you’ve never set up a repair or replacement via warranty. However, if you need to make some repairs yourself, make sure you have a repair kit for the job, like one of these top smartphone repair kits or one of the best windshield repair kits.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Big purchases of products like kitchen appliances, furniture, and electronic devices usually come with a warranty. While not required by law, most companies (retailers and manufacturers) offer warranties for their customers. A warranty is a guarantee to repair or replace a defective product. How long your warranty period lasts depends on the warranty paperwork that comes with your device. That said, there are some things you should know when it comes to your warranty. To learn more about warranties, you can read our article on the Magnuson-Moss warranty act. Don’t know if you should get a replacement or not? We have an article that breakdown when to get a repair vs replacement.
Not all warranties are alike, so it’s essential to know which kind you’re dealing with. There are two main types of warranty: express and implied. In addition, you’ll need to know if your device is covered via a full or limited warranty. If you’re feeling a bit confused, don’t worry; we’ll walk you through each kind of warranty.
Insider Tip
There are two main types of warranty: express and implied.
An express warranty is when a seller or manufacturer outright states in either spoken or written terms. In an express warranty, a seller agrees to repair or replace a product if it doesn’t meet a reasonable level of quality and reliability. In the US, Federal law recognizes most written express warranties. It compels companies to repair or replace parts or products covered under warranty. You can learn more about how this affects Apple with our page on what Apple’s repair program is. This applies mostly to durable and not nondurable goods.
An implied warranty does not need to be written or spoken to be upheld. For example, your new refrigerator needs to keep food cold or frozen. In short, your product needs to work as intended, or the seller should replace it. Unfortunately, implied warranties are sometimes sidestepped by sellers who list products “as is.” In these cases, you may be out of luck if you’re seeking a new or replacement product from a seller or manufacturer.
A company agrees to repair or replace a broken or defective product within the warranty period for a full warranty. The company needs to repair or replace the entire product in a reasonable time. A full warranty is an ideal setup for a new product. A limited warranty only offers a guarantee on specific parts or faults. In addition, limited warranties often only cover the pieces, but not the cost of labor for the repair.
An extended warranty is more like a protection plan than a standard warranty. Typically, an extended warranty is an additional purchase covering your product for longer than the manufacturer’s warranty. It is important to remember that most extended warranties do not activate until the original warranty expires.
For products like game consoles, there are some things you should avoid to keep from voiding your warranty. In the case of a game console, trying to modify or jailbreak a system will void the warranty. Trying to “root” or hack your phone for smartphones will void a warranty. There are ways for companies to detect voids in the warranty agreement. Check your device manual for specific rules to keep your warranty intact. Also, make sure you are informed about a product’s use restrictions to avoid ending up in the middle of a case like the one between Impressions Products Inc and Lexmark International Inc.
Warning
For smartphones, trying to “root” or hack your phone will void a warranty.
F.A.Q.
What are the four types of warranties?
The four types of warranties are express, implied, extended, and special warranty deed.
How to resolve disputes about warranty rights?
First, you should go to the seller of the product. Then go to the manufacturer. If the seller never wrote the warranty, it may be challenging to win a dispute.
Can I get a refund under warranty?
Most warranties do not cover devices with a refund. That said, implied warranties often result in a refund.
STAT: In a survey (which involved more than 5,200 people with at least one smartphone in their household), about 50 percent of respondents reported at least one major smartphone fiasco during the previous 24 months. (source)
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