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Extended warranty

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parris | 17:15 Wed 23rd Aug 2006 | Home & Garden
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Is it worth taking extended warranties on electrical appliances i.e. dishwasher, washing machine, camcorder etc. If yes, upto what age of the appliance should the cover be taken?

Please also let me know whether every year one should consider taking extended cover on boiler/central heating and the emergency cover on plumbing. Your advice is much appreciated.
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the two items i would take out an extened warranty on, are essentials such as washing machine and a fridge/freezer. My mum has been through 3 fridge freezers in about 5 years and the extended waranty has been a godsend, and saved a lot of money. Camcorders and other non essentials I wouldn't bother unless youv'e got megga bucks.
Central heating/boiler cover is a definate yes. Often they break down when its freezing cold and you can't find anyone to come out to it. Plumbing is alot more robust and I wouldn't say cover was nessecary. plumbing is less likely to go wrong than heating
Some companies make an absolute fortune on extended warranties, which is why they are keen to sell them to you.

It is generally better to spend the money on a better make that will last longer.

So, for example, rather than buy a cheap washing machine for say 250 pounds, and spent 150 pounds on a warranty, buy a good make like Bosch or AEG in the first place for 400 pounds or so.

Most devices that are going to go wrong usually do so in the first year which is covered anyway.

Generaly I would say DO NOT buy an extended warranty.
I would never buy an extended warranty.

Electric goods are far more reiable these days. And if they do go wrong it is likely to be within the first few months.

I prefer to save my money and rely on the Sale of Goods Act which gives me rights as a consumer. It is very cheap and easy to issue a claim through the Small Claims Court.

On the whole I consider extended warranties to be scams.

As for the plumbing and central heating, your best form of insurance is to find reputable tradesmen locally before you have a problem. Then should the need arise, you know who to call.
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One of the cons is that a 5-year extended warranty is really only for the 4 years after the 1 year manufacturers warranty (required by law) runs out.
Being a natural cynic, I very much suspect that they wouldn't offer these warranties if they thought that the item was actually going to need repair or replacement during the extended warranty period.
I paid for the extended warranty on my washer drier.
And when I get a new TV I'll probably get the extended warranty on that as well.
I think when the products are really expensive or notoriously unreliable it's worth going for the warranty.

It's not just about getting them fixed if they break but about peace of mind and being a worrier like me it's worth it.
I think these extended warranties are probably a waste of money. We have one freezer (25 years old) never gone wrong. One washing machine (8 years old, one minor repair). Fridge/Freezer, 8 years old, one minor repair.

Modern equipment is generally reliable these days. You'd probably be better off sticking a regular sum of money into a separate savings account t every month to pay for repairs or buy new equipment rather than spending it on extended warranties.
I've probably watched/listened to/read several hundred TV programmes/Radio programmes/articles about extended warranties. Every single one of them can be summarised by two words of advice: "Don't bother".

Under a combination of EU & UK law, all electrical items (except, obviously, 'consumables' like batteries and printer cartridges) should be expected to last for a minimum period of 6 years. During that period, any problem which occurs due to an 'inherent fault' (i.e. poor quality components or poor workmanship during manufacture) must be rectified by the retailer (not the manufacturer).

Don't take out extended warranties. If something goes wrong within 6 years of the date of purchase demand that the retailer puts matters right either by fixing the item or by providing a replacement. (The retailer has the right to choose which one of those two options is most suitable).

Chris
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Thanks everyone for being so very helpful.

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