Limited Warranty Versus Extended Warranty for Tech

Like most people, you probably own more technology than ever before. Millennials lead the charge in adopting new technology, with Generation X and Baby Boomers not far behind.
The likely reason everyone embraces technology is how user-friendly it has become and continues to become. Additionally, technology has become more affordable for most Americans at varying price points. And, although new tech isn’t cheap, there is a wider entry point. However, tech is vulnerable to damage, leaving individuals to pay high repair bills. And there’s a big difference between a manufacturer’s limited warranty and an extended warranty. Pairing your new tech with a high-quality tech extended warranty will offer coverage that the limited warranty excludes.

Is a Manufacturer’s or Retailer’s Limited Warranty Enough to Protect Your Device?

While all companies and their limited warranties are different, limitations are built into their warranties, hence the term “limited.” Most consumers would love it if businesses stood firmly behind their products, offering longer warranties, even for an added fee, but most do not. And if they do offer some extension to their insurance plans, they are often prohibitively expensive for many consumers.
Consumers often decide to risk it and let the limited warranty run, then see what happens. Sadly, too many consumers find that things can happen anytime, no matter how much they trust the brand and product. Businesses know things sometimes go wrong, or they wouldn’t offer their limited warranty. Besides, it would be a bad policy in a competitive market to refuse to offer any warranty coverage or recourse.
It’s difficult to know why brands don’t offer longer time frames for their warranties. But limited one-year warranties have become the standard across most industries and products. In some cases, the limited warranty only lasts a couple of weeks.
Sometimes businesses do offer extended warranties for a fee, but you’ll find that many of those are exorbitantly expensive and come with their own limitations, despite the high price. You feel like you’re gambling away a large chunk of your hard-earned money for problems that might not happen or for defects that have nothing to do with handling and caring for your product.
Businesses often list a long stream of things they won’t cover, which is far longer than what they cover in their expensive extended warranties, making you wonder whether there is any point to investing in a manufacturer’s extended warranty.

Limited Warranty Laws

Here are some insights into manufacturer warranty laws:
  • There is more to the story than the written warranty, meaning companies often use verbal promises in advertising that might nullify the small print. With that in mind, keep all copies of your documents, and pay attention to any articles or advertising you see regarding your product and its brand.
  • You should insist that you are allowed to read the warranty before you purchase an item to understand all the details and limitations.
  • Consider backup protection like credit card warranties, credit card chargeback, goodwill programs, lemon laws and third-party extended warranty plans like Upsie offers.
Typical extended manufacturer’s warranties and service contracts offer you little protection compared to the cost. Again, items typically don’t break within the first two to three years, and they cost more than the standard repair for the most common issues.

Extended Warranties for Tech Offer You an Empowering Alternative

While it’s disappointing that the manufacturer’s limited warranty doesn’t offer coverage, you do have options for good extended warranties. There are excellent tech insurance plans that are as affordable as they are comprehensive in coverage.
These extended warranty plans cover various new, used and refurbished devices and appliances across nearly any brand, including:
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Laptop and desktop computers
  • Smartwatches
  • Video games
  • Headphones, speakers and smart speaker systems
  • TVs and home theater systems
  • Cameras and video recording equipment
  • Small and major household appliances
  • Fitness equipment
  • Outdoor power tools
  • Bathroom appliances like electric toothbrushes
  • Security equipment
  • And much more
With these companies, you can enjoy greater savings for your devices too. Depending on what you buy and its cost, there is a tiered system of pricing for one, two, or three years and sometimes longer. The pricing goes up according to the price of the tech item, ensuring fair coverage. And best of all, you’ll enjoy coverage for several years, giving you a great boost in confidence in using your product to its fullest potential.

Upsie Makes It an Easy Choice to Extend Your Tech Warranty

It’s easy to understand why anyone would balk at buying an expensive manufacturer’s warranty, but Upsie offers you the perfect, affordable alternative. Upsie’s warranties cost up to 70 percent less than warranties sold elsewhere. Upsie achieves its low prices by cutting out intermediaries (like retailers) and working directly with the customers instead. As a result, customers gain premium protection at an affordable price.
In addition, Upsie’s customers can make unlimited claims up to the purchase price of the device and have access to Upsie’s 24/7/365 claims service team for fast repairs. Contact the Upsie customer service team or visit Upsie.com to learn more about coverage for your tech device or devices.

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.