07 December 2007
Breakdown cover on electrical goods can cost more than half the price of the appliance itself and is often unnecessary, says consumer website which.co.uk.
When which.co.uk investigated warranties on electrical goods, it found a Kenwood smoothie maker, for example, being sold for £17.50, and the three-year extended warranty for it cost almost as much at £14.
Argos was selling a Sony DVD player for £45, and the three-year cover cost more than half the cost of the player at £25*.
Stores sell policies as 'peace of mind', but a replacement item could cost little more than the warranty, and with product reliability improving people are less likely to need cover in the first place.
Shoppers also have statutory rights which mean that in some cases, stores should repair faulty goods even after 12 months, when extended warranty cover would start. Shoppers can find out more at www.which.co.uk/warranties
£900 million worth of extended warranties are sold to consumers each year.
Malcolm Coles, Editor, which.co.uk, says:
“Expensive warranties that cost nearly as much as the product itself just aren’t worth it. If you pick a reliable brand in the first place – with a bit of help from which.co.uk - then you shouldn’t have any need for one of these policies.
Peter McCarthy, Senior Lawyer, Which? Legal Service, adds:
“Don’t let a seller have you believe that your legal rights end with the guarantee. The seller will be liable if the goods it sold you aren’t of satisfactory quality.”
- Ends –
A full news story is online at www.which.co.uk/news and more information on extended warranties can be found at www.which.co.uk/warranties
Which? Legal Service gives over-the-phone practical advice on a range of everyday legal matters. For more details go to www.whichlegalservice.co.uk
