How many of you get extra warranty coverage when you purchase electronics? I've always heard many times, they are a rip-off because the manufactuer generally offers you automatic protection for the first year.

The only thing I've ever purchased an extra warranty on is a DVD recorder I had and I'm glad I did because the thing stopped working after a year and a half. I've never purchased or needed an extended warranty on any other electronics. I just purchased a Samsung LED HD TV a few days ago. This is my very first one and since they are still relatively new (to me anyway), I 'm not sure what types of problems may pop up with these kinds of TVs. My last TV was a Toshiba and I've had it for 12 years with no problems whatsoever.

kitbradley said:

How many of you get extra warranty coverage when you purchase electronics? I've always heard many times, they are a rip-off because the manufactuer generally offers you automatic protection for the first year.

The only thing I've ever purchased an extra warranty on is a DVD recorder I had and I'm glad I did because the thing stopped working after a year and a half. I've never purchased or needed an extended warranty on any other electronics. I just purchased a Samsung LED HD TV a few days ago. This is my very first one and since they are still relatively new (to me anyway), I 'm not sure what types of problems may pop up with these kinds of TVs. My last TV was a Toshiba and I've had it for 12 years with no problems whatsoever.

I got an extended warranty for my last flatscreen. Like you, I am glad I did because, it kept on shutting off and restarting itself. When the tech came to my house, to fix it, (part of the warranty plan), it was determined that the tv was defectived. The end result was, I got a gift card for the what I paid for the TV. With that card I was able to by another TV, (Sony). It has not failed me yet. By the way, I got an extended plan for this one as well....

The only electronics I've purchased in many, many years have been my MacBook and iPhone. I purchased Apple's extended warrantee on both, and it was a HUGELY wise decision. If ever a problem sprang, I was completely covered for repair or replacement, plus the tech support during the warrantee period was superb.

It might definitely pay off in some cases, but these companies ultimately only offer them because they make money off them. They take the gamble by offering it that more people will buy the warrantee than will actually need replacements.

So the odds favor not getting them IMO

In most cases you wont need them. If it is a high cost item it may be worth it on some things.

For, instance Costco has a 3 year warranty on laptops that covers drops (including cracking your screen-its covered!) and spills on the computer.

Tv's that keep getting updated may not be worth it, 'cuz you may just want the latest model if your TV dies. The exception being an expensive TV. Anything under 700 dollars for a TV isn't worth the extended warranty.

depends what it is

i usually get it for tvs

Lammastide said:

It depends on what I'm buying.

Usually I don't but when it's something for the kids or refurbished, I do.

For example, back when the kids got Nitendo DS's I did...and they were needed. Each one managed to destroy their DS, so I got at leats one replacement each.

Last year I bought my laptop (refurbished) and added a warranty. Been having problems with it increasingly. Turns out the hard drive is bad, so they refunded my purchase price.

But other than that...the manufacturer warranty usually will suffice for me.