Many products come with a warranty by the manufacturer. Some of them even offer extended warranties. The idea is simple: you pay one price and can repair your purchase if it breaks down within a certain period. But it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into before buying one.
In this article, we will cover everything about warranty products and what to do if you don’t get the product repaired.
Types of Warranty Products
A warranty is usually given with the purchase of a new product. These warranties can be extended by paying an additional fee, or they may be purchased after buying a product. However, most warranties are sold at the time of purchase. According to an article from Wiley Online Library, at least 45% of extended warranty purchases happen at the point of sale.
If you’re looking to extend your warranty, look for these phrases:
- Extended Warranty: An outside company has extended your original manufacturer’s warranty. It’s best to check their terms and conditions before buying this plan. Some will only cover certain parts of your product, while others will cover the entire product.
- Manufacturer’s Extended Service Plan: This kind of plan is usually offered directly by manufacturers and covers the most prominent components.
The Legal Framework
Several times, consumers don’t get what they were promised. Due to miscommunication, accidental damage, etc., manufacturers or third-party warranters refuse to repair the damaged product. To help overcome such challenges, the federal government has passed the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs consumer goods warranties. It is a federal law passed in 1975 and amended several times since then. The act requires that any written warranty on a product be given to the purchaser at the time of purchase or delivery.
A warranty cannot be voided by an oral statement from someone other than the seller or manufacturer. However, all such ethics are sometimes not followed when informing and giving warranty to consumers like yourself. That’s where the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act comes into effect.
According to Conn Law, PC, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act simplifies the process of filing warranty claims. Moreover, it also allows consumers to recover court costs and lawyer fees if they win the warranty lawsuits. This makes it easier for consumers to fight for their rights and get the services they deserve.
One famous lawsuit in this aspect is that of Apple. Five years back, Apple reduced the battery replacement price from $79 to $29. It reduced the cost of out-of-warranty battery replacements for iPhone 6 and newer models.
Consumer Rights Under Warranty Products
Warranty products are those that come with a kind of manufacturer’s promise. It guarantees that the product you purchase will do what it claims during its warranty period. During this period, you can claim a warranty for any repair required to the product.
Warranty details must be clearly stated in any documentation accompanying your purchase. Still, if there isn’t any information on the packaging, it should be available online. If not, you can ask customer services directly. The longer the length of your warranty period, the better!
Warranty can also sometimes cover defects in a product. A defect is something wrong with the physical structure of an item. For example, scratches on furniture could mean damage during transit or assembly before being sold to you as new stock. If this happens, try contacting whoever sold it to see if they’ll replace or repair them.
Manufacturers usually repair or replace damaged products even if there’s no warranty available because it was a mistake on their part. Such damages usually occur when transporting products from one place to another. Hence, global cargo loss figures exceed $50 billion annually.
Warranty Registration and Documentation
In most cases, warranty registration is not required. However, in some instances, you may need to register your product with the manufacturer or retailer to claim its warranty. For example, suppose your car breaks down after only two months of use. However, you have no proof that it was purchased from an authorized dealer.
In that case, the manufacturer may require proof of purchase before honoring any claims under their limited lifetime guarantee program. In such scenarios, registration helps establish the proof that the car was indeed purchased from a certified retailer.
In other cases, registration is not mandatory but recommended by manufacturers for customer service purposes. This is usually the case with registering electronic products. In such cases, failing to register could mean not accessing support services when needed most.
The documentation accompanying a product’s warranty outlines the coverage’s terms and conditions. This information is vital for understanding your rights and responsibilities in case of a malfunction or defect. Clear and comprehensive documentation protects the manufacturer’s interests and enhances your confidence in the product by transparently defining the scope of the warranty.
Making Warranty Claims
If your product is faulty or damaged, there are several steps you can take to make a warranty claim. If the item is still in its warranty period and you have proof of purchase, it’s best to contact the manufacturer first.
If they cannot help you with your issue, contact the retailer where you purchased your product or any other authorized repair center.
You may also be able to make an out-of-warranty claim if:
- The fault was not caused by misuse or neglect on your part.
- Your item has been out of use for over 12 months but less than five years since the purchase date.
Warranty claims are typically processed quickly, and the manufacturers usually keep their promise, as they need to maintain their reputation. In fact, most manufacturers even keep some money dedicated to this purpose. According to data, automobile manufacturers keep aside just over 2.5% of their sales revenue for warranty accruals.
Warranty Exclusions and Limitations
An exclusion is a reason your warranty will not be honored. For example, if you drop your product and it breaks, that’s not covered under the warranty because you caused the damage. Similarly, if the product has a limited lifetime guarantee and you bought it second-hand, their policy won’t cover this.
A limitation is when your rights are limited in some way as specified by law or contract. Here are some common warranty limitations:
- Time limitations: Warranties often have a specific duration, such as one year, five years, or a lifetime. Once this period expires, the warranty is no longer valid.
- Scope of coverage: The warranty may cover only certain parts or aspects of the product. For example, a warranty on a car might cover the engine and transmission but not the tires or brakes.
- Intended use: Warranties may be limited to products used under normal conditions. If a product is used in a way that exceeds its intended use or is subjected to abuse, the warranty may be void.
- Unauthorized repairs or modifications: The warranty may become void if a product is repaired or modified by someone other than an authorized service provider. This ensures that alterations do not negatively impact the product’s performance.
- Environmental conditions: Some warranties may exclude coverage for damage caused by specific environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, or exposure to water.
- Commercial use: Warranties on certain products may not cover items used for commercial purposes. Residential-use warranties may not apply if a product is used commercially.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you understand your rights under warranty products and how to resolve disputes with manufacturers. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that protects consumers from faulty or defective products. You can also file your warranty claims under this act to ensure you receive fair compensation.
