subject: Making sense of TV warranties- What's in it for you [print this page] TV warranties are importantTV warranties are important. They're a series of conditions for service which can save you a lot of money. They're common business practice, and covered by law. Warranties give owners rights. The warranties for TVs are usually standard, and include some basic conditions. The top name brand TV like aSamsung LCD TV usually has a comprehensive warranty.
Warranty terms
Basic cover: Warranties are written to cover specific terms of service. They usually apply to malfunctions or problems over a period of time. These warranties generally cover repairs at no cost for all forms of defect in the period after purchase.
Conditions of warranty: The conditions of warranty make some requirements on owners.
For example:
Warranty covers faults, not damage caused by the owner.
Warranty doesn't cover unauthorized repairs or repairs not conducted under the warranty service provision terms.
Claims for warranty may be invalidated by actions by the owner. These conditions are usually spelled out in the warranty terms.
Extended warranty: This is extra cover, usually in blocks of six months or a year. Extended warranties only apply to the period of cover, not additional services.
When you want to make a claim on warranty
If you're having a problem with yourLCD TV, like an electronic problem or the TV doesn't work for some reason, and you're within the period covered, you can claim for servicing.
To get service, you need to:
Check the warranty to ensure you're covered.
Contact the service provider, and check out the procedures. This is usually just a matter of dropping off the TV. Some services provide pickup and delivery services, some don't.
Get a time frame for servicing after the service centre has had a chance to assess the problems.
The repairs also have a warranty. Any problems with the service should be covered by a minimum 30 day warranty by law.
Note: The service warranty isn't the same thing as the TV warranty. This can be very important if you're near the end of your TV warranty. The service warranty applies only to the work carried out. The same basic conditions apply to this type of warranty as to the TV warranty.
When the TV warranty runs out
When the warranty expires, you're liable for the future cost of services. You can (and should) still use the same service centre, particularly for brand name TVs, because they can do a full service and use proprietary parts.
If you're not happy with the standard of service, you can try other authorized service centres for your brand of TV. This is the preferred option, because these services can access new parts more easily.
Basic repairs and electrical connections can be carried out by licensed tradespeople. Warranties also apply to their work, and you are covered for the same 30 day period.
It's always worth knowing your rights as a consumer. If you have any questions about your claim, you can contact your local consumer agency for advice.
Making sense of TV warranties- What's in it for you
