Are Extended Warranties on TVs Worth it, or a Waste of Money?

Before we begin, remember who is writing this article - a TV sales and installation company who do offer optional extended warranties! That being said, we don’t recommend them in some cases. But, we’ve seen it all in the last seven years: the good, the bad, and the ugly in dealing with electronic equipment and the manufacturers who are supposed to support them.

I myself also being a consumer, was not sold on extended warranties - kind of like buying insurance in Blackjack right? No thank you! But after a few years of seeing how the TV business works, and desperately wishing these manufacturers would help my customers, I’ve completely changed my tune.

I now sometimes do buy warranties for myself, and recommend them for my clients, most importantly because I genuinely care about what happens to your install and home experience AFTER we are done working for you. And the original warranties are completely out of our hands, and dependent on the manufacturers to uphold and hopefully act fairly. Sadly, sometimes they don’t. Here are three key reasons why I sometimes recommend warranties

  1. Most manufacturers only offer a 1 year warranty from date of purchase, that covers manufacturers defects only, but won’t keep you covered for things like damage to the power supply from a lightning strike or power surge (the most common problem we see). Extended warranties like the ones we offer DO cover damage from surges from Day One so this is a big plus!

  2. After one year is just about that no-so-magical time when TVs and other complex electronics start to show problems if they are going to. This is unfortunate if just past that one year coverage mark

  3. Extended warranty programs will either repair your TV to brand new, or replace the value of your original purchase, which means you get an instant upgrade should the worst happen and it is unrepairable.

Here are a few situations when I would definitely recommend an extended warranty:

  1. You are investing in a TV over $2000. This is a big investment. Some warranties are only $100-$300 to extend your coverage up to 5 years total. A relatively small additional investment to give you peace of mind for years to come

  2. If you are buying an outdoor TV - this is an absolute must! Even though these TVs are outdoor rated, they are facing the harsh New England elements

So if you’re buying your equipment from TV Install Pros, don’t forget to ask Gagan about our extended warranties and we will give you our honest opinion on whether we recommend them, and what options you have. If we sell you a warranty, it’s so we can help protect you in the future and so you stay in good hands for years to come.
Contact us today to learn more!

Or keep reading for more info on warranties…

Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on a New TV?

When you buy a new TV, you are typically covered by a manufacturer's warranty for one to three years. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but it does not cover accidental damage or wear and tear.

An extended warranty is a type of insurance that provides additional coverage for your TV beyond the manufacturer's warranty. This can include coverage for accidental damage, wear and tear, and even power surges.

So, is it smart to buy an extended warranty on a new TV? The answer depends on a few factors, including:

  • The cost of the extended warranty.

  • The likelihood that your TV will break down.

  • Your budget.

The cost of extended warranties can vary depending on the TV brand, model, and length of coverage. In general, you can expect to pay between $50 and $500 for an extended warranty.

The likelihood that your TV will break down depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the TV, how you use it, and where you live. In general, newer TVs are more reliable than older models. And if you take good care of your TV, it is less likely to break down.

If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider skipping the extended warranty. However, if you are worried about your TV breaking down and you can afford the extra cost, then an extended warranty may be a good investment.

Here are some things to keep in mind when buying an extended warranty:

  • Read the fine print carefully. Make sure you understand what is and is not covered by the warranty.

  • Compare prices from different providers.

  • Ask about any discounts or deals that may be available.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy an extended warranty is a personal one. Weigh the cost of the warranty against the likelihood that your TV will break down and your budget to make the best decision for you.

Here are some additional tips for buying an extended warranty:

  • Buy the warranty from a reputable company.

  • Make sure the warranty is transferable, in case you sell your TV.

  • Consider buying a warranty that covers accidental damage.

  • Read the fine print carefully and understand what is and is not covered by the warranty.

Ryan Patterson