Is that extra warranty worth it?
Mosttelevisionscome with one of these policies as an add-on option.
It is meant to provide financial protection for the buyer in the event that their expensive newHDTVbreaks or malfunctions.
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So, should you purchase a TV warranty?
Coverage for costly repairs.
Convenience of in-home service.
The cost of the extended warranty itself.
Potential hassles when trying to submit a claim.
Possible claim rejections due to loopholes in the contracts wording.
What Does an Extended TV Warranty Cover?
Remember that an extended warranty is not affiliated with your TV’s manufacturer’s warranty.
A worthwhile plan should act like a bumper-to-bumper warranty for your car.
Be sure to confirm the specific details by reading the terms and conditions of the plan.
Where Can I Buy a TV Extended Warranty?
You should be able to buy some sort of TV service plan anywhere TVs are sold.
The time limit could be within 30 days or as long as 9 months.
Something else to consider about online warranty companies is their customer ratings and reliability.
Always check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
Should You Buy a TV Extended Warranty?
Only you’re free to decide if you should buy extra coverage.
So, it’s important to know how long you are covered before deciding on an extended plan.
Some plans can cover a TV for years.
Coverage usually begins the day you buy it.
Once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, you’ll only have the extra one you purchased.
The first year may seem like you’re paying for two services but only getting protection from one.
Why not just start the supplemental coverage after the manufacturer’s expires?
That’s a fair question.
Others believe it’s a worthless product sold only to raise profits while only appearing to provide value.
Ask the warranty dealer to explain in detail what a typical claim process would look like.
Good salespeople know their products, so use them as a resource.
What Is Not Covered by an Extended Warranty?
But what about what’snotcovered?
Many people have been burned by salespersons' claims.
There may be a huge difference between what you think the extended warrantyshouldprotect and what it actually protects.
Forget what the salesperson tells you is covered.
Forget what your friends tell you.
Its your money being spent, not theirs.
How Much Does an Extended Warranty Cost?
This means that plans may differ for TVs with extra features or certain technologies.
Dont assume that one price covers all.
This is an unfortunate side effect of products based on price ranges (for example, $5001,000).
Accordingly, its doubly important to pay attention to where the price breaks are.
Do you host wild parties or plan on moving your TV from room to room or house to house?
Will your TV be used in a college dorm room?
In these cases, extended warranties can be well worth the extra expense.
Always read the terms and conditions.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your comfort level.
