The Real Cost of Extended Warranties and Why You Should Stop Paying for Them
We’ve all gotten those annoying calls regarding your “car’s extended warranty.” While those are undoubtedly a scam, there are other extended warranties out there for other products. They aren’t necessarily scams, but they typically aren’t worth the money you’ll spend on them. Even though they are marketed as a smart financial decision, most people wind up paying more for extended warranties than they would for repairs (or even a full replacement). So, before you purchase an extended warranty, consider these things.
The High Price of Peace of Mind
Believe it or not, extended warranties wind up costing way more than even the item you’re covering. Retailers push these warranties because they are highly profitable, with markups often exceeding 50%. Consumers might feel reassured by the coverage, but many products rarely require repairs during the warranty period. It’s also important to keep in mind that most manufacturers already offer a standard warranty that covers defects for the initial period of use. Instead of paying for an extended warranty, you could set aside a repair fund that will allow you to cover unexpected expenses without the extra cost.
Low Claim Approval Rates
Many extended warranties come with fine print that makes it difficult to get claims approved. Companies often deny claims due to vague exclusions or technical loopholes. Some warranties require consumers to go through a lengthy process to prove their claim is valid. Even if a claim is approved, repairs may take weeks, leaving you without the product you paid to protect. In many cases, repairs are delayed due to third-party service providers, which can be extremely frustrating.
Overlapping Manufacturer Coverage
Most products come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects and malfunctions. These warranties often last for a year or longer, making extended coverage unnecessary. Many credit card companies also provide extended warranty protection for purchases made with their cards. This means you may already have coverage without needing to pay extra. Checking existing warranty coverage before purchasing an extended plan can save you money.
Repairs Are Often Cheaper Than the Warranty
The cost of common repairs is often less than the price of an extended warranty. For example, fixing a minor issue on an appliance may cost far less than a multi-year protection plan. Companies offering extended warranties rely on the fact that most consumers won’t need major repairs. Instead of paying for unnecessary coverage, you can budget for repairs as needed. Putting the money you’d spend on a warranty into a savings account gives you more flexibility.
Extended Warranties Have Too Many Exclusions
Many extended warranties come with a long list of exclusions that limit coverage. Some plans only cover specific types of damage, excluding wear and tear or accidental breakage. If a repair falls outside of these strict guidelines, you’ll be left paying out of pocket. Consumers often assume they’re fully protected, only to find out their claim is denied. Carefully reading the fine print can reveal just how little coverage you’re actually getting.
Retailers Use Fear Tactics to Sell Them
Salespeople often use scare tactics to convince consumers that extended warranties are essential. They highlight worst-case scenarios to make you feel like repairs are inevitable. However, most products don’t experience major issues within their expected lifespan. By understanding the real risks, you can make a more informed decision. Don’t let pressure tactics push you into an unnecessary purchase.
Self-Insurance Is a Better Option
Instead of paying for extended warranties, consider setting up a personal repair fund. By saving a small amount each month, you can cover unexpected repairs without wasting money on unnecessary plans. Self-insurance gives you control over your funds rather than paying for coverage you may never use. If you never need repairs, you get to keep your money rather than lose it to warranty providers. This strategy works especially well for lower-risk items that rarely require servicing.
The Verdict: Are Extended Warranties Worth It?
At the end of the day, there aren’t any extended warranties that I’d purchase. We’ve had plenty of salespeople try to sell them to us over the years. Usually, it just inflates the cost of the original purchase and people rarely actually use their extended warranty when it’s all said and done. Rather than paying for unnecessary coverage, check out the manufacturer’s warranty or simply save money to put toward repairs. So, next time you feel pressured into buying an extended warranty, remember these things! It’s okay to say no.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.