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Warranty & Guarantee Claims

Manufacturer warranty expired? You still have rights.

#At a Glance
Difficulty ā­ Easy
Time to DIY 30 minutes
Payout Repair, replacement, or refund
Time Limit 6 years (statutory rights)
Escalation Small Claims Court

#What Is It?

There are two types of protection when you buy goods:

  1. Statutory rights ā€“ Your legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act (6 years)
  2. Warranties/Guarantees ā€“ Extra promises from manufacturer or retailer

Warranties are in addition to your statutory rights, not instead of them.

#Statutory Rights vs Warranties

Statutory Rights Warranty/Guarantee
Source Law (Consumer Rights Act) Manufacturer's promise
Duration 6 years Typically 1ā€“5 years
Claim from Retailer Usually manufacturer
Covers Faults present at time of sale Varies by warranty
Can be excluded? No N/A ā€“ it's optional extra

#Types of Warranties

#Manufacturer's Warranty

  • Comes free with the product
  • Usually 1ā€“2 years
  • Covers manufacturing defects
  • Claim direct from manufacturer

#Extended Warranty (Purchased)

  • Paid extra for longer cover
  • Often sold by retailers
  • Read terms carefully ā€“ may duplicate statutory rights

#"Lifetime" Warranties

  • Not actually for life
  • Usually means "expected product lifetime"
  • Check what's actually covered

#How to Make a Warranty Claim

#Step 1: Find Your Warranty

  • Check original packaging
  • Look for registration confirmation
  • Search emails for warranty documents

#Step 2: Check What's Covered

  • Manufacturing defects usually covered
  • Accidental damage usually not
  • Check exclusions carefully

#Step 3: Contact the Warrantor

  • Usually the manufacturer (for manufacturer warranties)
  • The retailer (for retailer guarantees)
  • Provide proof of purchase and warranty

#Step 4: Follow Their Process

  • Some require online registration
  • Some want photos of the fault
  • Some require you to ship the item back

#When Warranty Is Refused

If the warranty provider refuses your claim, remember:

Your statutory rights still apply.

For 6 years after purchase, you can claim from the retailer for faults present at purchase. After 6 months, you need to prove the fault existed at purchase (inherent defect).

#Extended Warranties: Worth It?

Usually no. Here's why:

  • Your statutory rights already cover 6 years
  • Extended warranties often have exclusions
  • They're very profitable for retailers (which tells you something)
  • Money better spent on insurance or savings

Exceptions:

  • Very expensive items with high repair costs
  • Items with known reliability issues
  • If it gives you extra peace of mind

#Common Questions

Q: The manufacturer says the warranty has expired ā€“ what now?

Your statutory rights with the retailer last 6 years. Go back to where you bought it.

Q: They say it's "wear and tear" ā€“ is that valid?

Maybe. But if the product failed unreasonably quickly for its type and price, it may be a manufacturing defect, not wear and tear.

Q: I lost my receipt ā€“ can I still claim?

You need proof of purchase. Bank statements, email confirmations, or credit card statements work.

Q: The company wants me to pay shipping ā€“ do I have to?

Check the warranty terms. For statutory claims from the retailer, they generally can't charge you.