Why It Makes Sense to Invest in an Extended TV Warranty

If you’re looking to buy a new TV, you may be thinking about taking out an extended TV warranty. We take a look at why that is definitely a good idea.

Keyword(s): tv warranty

TVs are getting smarter, displaying more colors, and redefining the way we look at the home theater experience. They aren’t lasting longer than previous TVs, however. With only 20,000 hours of life for the latest OLED TVs, that’s only 2.25 years of continuous use.

Obviously, most of us won’t be leaving the TV on 24/7, but many people do have the TV on for about half the day. That means your TV will still be fading out in less than five years. You’re going to need a TV warranty if you don’t want to be out hundreds of dollars after the standard manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Here’s Everything you need to know about buying an extended TV warranty.

What is an Extended TV Warranty?

When you buy an extended warranty, you’re extending the coverage past the manufacturer’s terms. This is always offered when you buy a new TV, but it should be understood that this is always provided by a third-party. Sometimes these extended warranties are worded in a way that seems like you’re buying it from the manufacturer.

The extended TV warranties can cover all malfunctions and defects, just like the manufacturer. You can also buy it to cover customer-related accidents. This includes accidental screen damage, water damage, and power-surge damage. They can also cover the cost of delivery and replacing your damaged TV with a new one.

Notable Features

A good extended warranty protection plan can be purchased for both monitors and televisions. This can cover the dreaded burn-in, broken remotes, on-screen buttons, Wi-Fi capabilities, faulty inputs or outputs, and more.

You can also get additional convenience features, beyond the replacement services. This can include TV setup, screen calibration, and preventative maintenance. These premium warranty services can be really useful, especially when it comes to professional calibration.

Remember, what you see on the show floor is not what you’ll see in your home. Those display TVs are calibrated to compete with the lights and surrounding TV brightness, which they in-turn need to use exaggerated saturation and contrast levels.

Who Needs an Extended Warranty?

To determine whether an extended warranty is right for you, you need to consider a few things. For one, do you have a reliable TV brand? What type of screen technology does it have? How much did you buy your TV for?

When purchasing an extended warranty after it’s been a year since you bought the TV, double-check how long your manufacturer’s warranty is. Some manufacturer’s warranties last up to two to three years. This is good to know when purchasing your extended warranty plan.

If you want to save money, you can try to delay the coverage until after the last day of your manufacturer’s warranty.

Make Sure You’re Covered

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that buying an extended warranty that begins coverage on the day you buy your TV is a waste. Having two warranties for the first couple years of ownership is fine. Your extended warranty will do all the heavy lifting, including much more responsive customer support.

It’s smart to purchase an extended warranty for up to five years. Then, you’ll have the peace of mind, knowing that if your TV doesn’t reach it’s expected lifespan, you’ll have a new one waiting for you. It’s also not uncommon for most TV replacements to be upgrades, as the TV model you have now may no longer be available.

Don’t Be Reckless

Purchasing a TV warranty doesn’t mean you’re in the clear for any type of damage your TV incurs. If your claim demonstrates negligence on your part, then you will be denied repair or replacement. Don’t be sold on coverage that prevents you from ever losing your investment.

You have to read the terms and conditions of the warranty or you could get a rude awakening while going through the claims process. Some warranty companies are more strict on what they consider a defect or malfunction. This is similar to how TV manufacturers treat dead pixels.

If your TV’s pixels start dying, there is a known limit on the number that the TV manufacturer will recognize as unreasonable or defective. For some that may mean only 2-3 pixels, for others, it could be up to five dead pixels in close proximity. This could be very annoying for anyone with a good idea and a nagging need for perfection.

Plan Ahead When Shopping

When you’re out looking for a new TV, always assume the risk levels. A giant 55-inch OLED curved TV may not be the best choice for a family with pets and no dedicated entertainment display. Placing that big delicate screen on a standard stand on the floor is just asking for accidents.

You have to consider these things because any extended warranty company worth their weight will be doing the same.

Also, consider how much you can save on in-home services and consultation if you’re not someone who is very tech-savvy. The cost of the extended warranty isn’t just a measurement of time, it’s an averaging of how much you will use it.

Future-Proofing Your Entertainment

As you can see, there’s no right or wrong answer to who should get an extended TV warranty. If you don’t think you can afford to pay for it, then be prepared for the risks that a discounted TV can come with. Also, don’t let your own ego determine whether you’ll need an extended warranty or not.

There’s only so much a tech-savvy person can do to fix their own problems. When it comes to modern smart TVs, you might be better off looking into professional repairs. If your TV is out of warranty today, don’t worry, you can request an Out of Warranty Repair Request with us.

Submit your service inquiry today and find out if there’s still hope for your favorite TV set.