Explore the warranty
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Warranties: What Matters and Why
Plain-language guidance up front — rigorous references underneath.
Can you Trust a "Lifetime" Warranty?
When advertisers say “lifetime,” they must disclose whose lifetime they mean and where limits apply.
Read the explainerWhat the Magnuson–Moss Act Means for You
The federal law that defines “full” vs. “limited” warranties — and what rights it gives you as a buyer.
Learn your rightsHow Warranty Claims Really Work
From proof-of-purchase requirements to shipping costs — what to expect (and avoid) when you file a claim.
See how claims workParts of a Warranty, Illustrated
Hover or tap any highlighted area to see what to check — and what “great” looks like.
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Acme Co. Limited Warranty
SampleCoverage
Defects in materials & workmanship
Term
2 Years from purchase
Claim process
Online portal or phone RMA
Transferable
Yes — with original proof
Exclusions: Wear-and-tear, loss, water damage, unauthorized repairs.
Cost
No charge; prepaid shipping labels
Transparency
Proof
Receipt or order email
Coverage
Scope of failures included. Strong policies cover defects in materials and workmanship across major components, both parts and labor.
Ideal: Full coverage of defects and workmanship, including all core components with aligned parts & labor.
- Gotcha: Cosmetic issues and consumables silently excluded.
- Gotcha: Coverage only for “original owner” without clear proof alternatives.
Deep dive on US federal law Magnuson-Moss Act.
Term
How long protection lasts and when it starts (purchase vs. delivery).
Ideal:Lifetime of the owner
- Gotcha: Different terms for different parts without a clear table.
- Gotcha: “Lifetime” without saying whose lifetime.
Claim Process
How simple it is to file and process a claim: channels, steps, and response times.
Ideal: Clear online or phone process with minimal steps/paperwork and posted timelines.
- Gotcha: Mandatory product registration for basic coverage.
- Gotcha: Hidden RMA hoops (videos, multiple inspections).
Deep dive on How Claims Work
Transferable
Whether coverage follows the product to a new owner.
Ideal: Fully transferable with no loss of coverage or punitive fees.
- Gotcha: Transfer requires paid inspection or resets term.
- Gotcha: “Non-transferable” even for new, unopened gifts.
Exclusions
Limitations or carve-outs that narrow coverage.
Ideal: Few or no exclusions; explicit lists for clarity.
- Gotcha: “Normal wear and tear” used to deny early failures.
- Gotcha: Blanket exclusions for “environmental damage” without specifics.
Cost
Direct costs to the customer for shipping, parts, and labor.
Ideal: No cost to the customer, including prepaid shipping and covered parts/labor.
- Gotcha: Customer pays outbound & return shipping on “inspection.”
- Gotcha: “Handling” fees that mimic labor charges.
Transparency
Clarity and accessibility of the wording & where it’s published.
Ideal: Plain-language warranty posted publicly online with contact paths and SLAs.
- Gotcha: Terms only in product box or after checkout.
- Gotcha: Key limits buried in “fine print” PDFs.
Proof of Purchase
Documentation required to validate a claim. Most warranties require proof that you bought the product from an authorized seller and within the covered period.
Ideal: Simple verification methods — accepting digital receipts, order confirmations, or bank statements without requiring product registration.
- Gotcha: Requires physical receipt even when purchased online.
- Gotcha: Demands product registration to preserve coverage.
- Gotcha: Refuses third-party marketplace sales despite being new and genuine.
What Good Warranties Include
- ✔️ Clear duration and scope (parts and labor aligned)
- ✔️ Accessible terms and easy claims (reasonable proof accepted)
- ✔️ Fair shipping policy and quick turnaround
- ✔️ Transferable coverage or fair owner updates
See Methodology for how we score and Glossary of Terms.