How General Warranties Work: What’s Covered and What’s Excluded?

What is a warranty and why is it important?

Warranty is a legal agreement that the manufacturer or seller gives for the product purchased. Through this they promise that if any manufacturing defect or problem occurs in the product within a certain period, then they will fix it for free or provide replacement.

Why is it important? Suppose you buy a GE Appliances washing machine which has a warranty of 2 years. After 6 months if there is a problem with the motor of the machine, you can get it fixed for free due to the warranty. But if there is no warranty, you have to bear the repair cost from your own pocket.

So, before buying any major appliance or electronics, you should check the warranty details carefully.

What are the types of General Warranty?

Warranties are usually of several types. Each type of coverage and validity is different. Let’s find out:

1. Manufacturer’s Warranty (Full Warranty)

It is given directly by the manufacturer (eg: Samsung, LG, Whirlpool). Usually it is 1 to 5 years. Most manufacturing defects are covered under this warranty.

Example:

• Warranty for any fridge or AC with inverter compressor is usually up to 5 years.
• A dishwasher‘s warranty can be up to 2 years.

2. Extended Warranty

This is provided by the manufacturer or a third-party company (eg: SquareTrade, Asurion). If you want warranty coverage for a few more years even after the manufacturer’s warranty is over, then you can buy extended warranty.

It is usually 1 to 3 years. But it requires a separate fee.

Example:

• Purchased an espresso machine with a manufacturer’s warranty of 1 year. If you want, you can buy extended warranty for 2 more years.

3. Implied Warranty

It is not written on paper, but recognized by law. When you buy a product, there is an expectation from the seller that the product will perform as advertised.

Example:

• You buy an air fryer which is advertised as “30 minutes fast cooking”. But it is not able to cook even in 50 minutes. Then you can claim a refund or replacement from the seller.

4. Limited Warranty

This is similar to the manufacturer’s warranty, but without coverage for certain parts or issues. For example:

• A microwave oven‘s warranty may include the “magnetron” part, but other parts may not be covered.

What is covered under General Warranty?

Items covered under general warranty in most cases:

1. Manufacturing Defects

If any part of the product is not manufactured properly during production, it is covered under warranty.

Example:

• The blade of a blender breaks.
• A problem with the motor of a vacuum cleaner.

2. Faulty Parts

If a part deteriorates under normal use, it is covered under warranty.

Example:

• The heating element of a rice cooker is not working.
• Problem with a ceiling fan motor.

3. Performance Issues

If the product does not perform as per its advertised features, it is covered under warranty.

Example:

• A pressure cooker ad says “15 PSI pressure” but it only gives 10 PSI pressure.

4. Software Issues (in case of electronics products)

For products that contain software (eg: smart TV, washing machine with AI), software-related issues are also covered under warranty.

Example:

• Touch screen of a smart refrigerator not working.

What is Excluded under General Warranty?

All warranties have some exclusions. If you know them, you will not run into trouble later. Let’s take a look:

1. Normal Wear and Tear

If the product is damaged due to normal use, it is not covered under warranty.

Example:

• The coating of a non-stick pan comes off.
• A carpet cleaner‘s brushes wear out.

2. Misuse or Abuse

If the product is misused or intentionally damaged, it is not covered under warranty.

Example:

• Break something hard with a hand mixer.
• Disposal of non-food items with a garbage disposal.

3. Unauthorized Repairs or Modifications

If the product is repaired or modified by an unauthorized technician, the warranty is void.

Example:

• Dismantling a dryer motor manually.
• Changing the circuit of a dishwasher.

4. Lack of Maintenance

If the product is not regularly maintained, it is not covered under warranty.

Example:

• Not cleaning the filter of a split AC.
• Not cleaning the water tank of a coffee maker.

5. Cosmetic Damage

If the product has only external damage (eg: stains, chips, scratches), it is not covered under warranty.

Example:

• Staining on a stainless steel refrigerator.
• Scratches on a glass top stove.

6. Consumable Parts

Parts that wear out over time (eg: air filter, water filter, brushes), are not covered under warranty.

Example:

• Changing the HEPA filter of a vacuum cleaner.
• Changing the RO membrane of a water purifier.

What to do before making a warranty claim?

Following some important steps while making a warranty claim will reduce the problem. Let’s take a look:

1. Save Original Documents

You must have the original purchase invoice, warranty card, and product manual to make a warranty claim.

Example:

• If you have to make a warranty claim for your GE Appliances dishwasher, then you need to show the invoice and warranty card.

2. Document the problem well

If the product doesn’t work, write down the problem clearly. Put photos or videos with it.

Example:

• If an error code appears on your LG washing machine, write it down.

3. Contact the Manufacturer’s Customer Support

Contact the manufacturer’s customer support first to make a warranty claim. They will tell you the next steps.

Example:

• If you need to make a warranty claim for your Samsung refrigerator, call Samsung customer care.

4. Contact the Authorized Service Center

As suggested by customer support, you may need to visit an authorized service center. There they will check the product.

Example:

• If you need to make a warranty claim for your Whirlpool air conditioner, visit an authorized service center of Whirlpool.

5. Wait for Replacement or Repair

If the claim under warranty is accepted, then they will either repair the product or give a replacement.

Example:

• If your KitchenAid mixer grinder warranty claim is accepted, they will either repair the motor or replace the entire mixer.

Mistakes to avoid when making a warranty claim

Many make some common mistakes while making warranty claims which can lead to big problems later on. If you avoid these mistakes, your warranty claim will be easily approved and you will get the product back quickly. Let’s find out some mistakes that should never be made.

1. Do not try to repair it yourself

If you attempt to repair the product yourself, the warranty may be void. Because according to the warranty policy of most manufacturers, any kind of repair or modification by yourself will void the warranty.

Example:

• If your KitchenAid blender is under warranty, do not open the gear or change any parts by yourself.
• If there is a problem with the heating element of the Ninja Air Fryer, do not attempt to disassemble it yourself.

What to do? First, communicate with the manufacturer or an authorized service center. They will give you correct instructions and, if necessary, send a technician.

2. Do not repair by unauthorized technician

When making a warranty claim, repair should be done only through the authorized service center technician. Repairs by unauthorized technicians may void the warranty. Because the way they repair is not acceptable according to the manufacturer’s warranty policy.

Example:

• If your Presto pressure cooker is under warranty, do not take it to a local technician. Only go to a Presto authorized service partner.
• If there is a problem with the Samsung refrigerator compressor, do not go to anyone other than an authorized Samsung technician.

What to do? Collect the list of authorized service centers from the manufacturer’s website and repair from there.

3. Do not attempt to make a claim after the warranty period has expired

Warranty claims have specific time limits. It cannot be claimed after it is over. Most manufacturers give 1 to 5 years as warranty period. So try to claim on time.

Example:

• If your Lasko fan warranty is 2 years, then don’t try to claim after 2 years.
• If LG washing machine warranty is 10 years (for some parts), then claim within that period.

What to do? Know the warranty period well when buying the product and make a claim if necessary within that period.

4. Do not submit fake documents

Never submit fake documents while claiming warranty. It falls under fraud and may be punishable by law. Even in the future you may have problems in making a warranty claim for another product.

Example:

• If you want to make a warranty claim for your GE Appliances dishwasher, you must submit the genuine purchase invoice. Do not commit fraud of any kind.
• If you want to make a warranty claim for Whirlpool microwave oven, you must submit the authentic warranty card and receipt.

What to do? Always keep genuine documents and submit them while making warranty claim.

5. Don’t overclaim when making a warranty claim

Many make additional claims when making warranty claims, such as free extra accessories or other benefits. Avoid making these excessive demands. Because the warranty is only applicable for the manufacturing defect or faulty parts of the product.

Example:

• If your Frigidaire air conditioner is under warranty, claim only for compressor or fan issues. Do not claim any other additional benefits.
• If the Zojirushi rice cooker is under warranty, claim only for the heating element problem.

What to do? While making a warranty claim, only claim for the actual problem and avoid over-claiming.

6. Don’t Lose Patience While Making Warranty Claim

Many people lose patience while making warranty claims and repeatedly contact the manufacturer or service center. This does not speed up the resolution of the problem, but can make the problem more complex.

Example:

• If your Frigidaire refrigerator warranty claim takes time, please wait patiently.
• If the Samsung TV warranty claim takes a few days, wait instead of calling again and again.

What to do? After making a warranty claim, wait patiently and, if necessary, contact the manufacturer’s customer support after a certain period of time.

What documents are required while making a warranty claim?

Some important documents are required while making a warranty claim. Without these, the claim process may be hampered. Below is the list of required documents:

What to do? Save all the documents while purchasing the product and keep them with you when making a warranty claim.

What steps to take after making a warranty claim?

Following a few steps after making a warranty claim can solve the problem quickly. Below are those steps:

1. Track Claim Status:

   After making a warranty claim, regularly inquire about the claim status from the manufacturer or service center. Many times the status is informed through email or SMS.

2. Wait for Technician:

   If the technician needs to come, make sure to be available within the specified time. Contact the technician if necessary.

3. Wait for Repair or Replacement:

   If the technician can repair, then wait until the repair is completed. If replacement is required, it may take some time to get the new product.

4. Do the Final Inspection:

   Check the product thoroughly after repair or replacement is completed. If any problem persists, contact the manufacturer or service center immediately.

5. Provide Feedback:

   Provide feedback to the manufacturer or service center after completing the warranty claim process. This will improve their service quality.

Conclusion

If you avoid some common mistakes while making a warranty claim, your warranty claim will be easily approved and you will get the product back quickly. Do-it-yourself repairs, repairs by unauthorized technicians, claims after the warranty period is over, submitting fake documents, making excessive claims and losing patience—avoid these mistakes.

Always save the genuine documents and follow the necessary steps while making a warranty claim. After making a warranty claim, track the claim status, wait for the technician, check the product thoroughly after the repair or replacement is completed and provide feedback.

Remember, warranty is your right. So make a warranty claim following the correct rules and ensure the protection of your product. If you run into any problems, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer’s customer support.

Follow these tips when making your product warranty claim and make sure you exercise your rights correctly.