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Home › Pay › Common problems › Extended warranties and protection plans
Fees and services

Extended warranties and protection plans

Extended warranties and protection plans are offered at checkout for electronics, appliances and cars, and sometimes by phone or mail. Many overlap the maker's warranty or coverage from your credit card. Some have exclusions that limit what they pay. This page explains what to check, free coverage you may have, and how to cancel.

Common problems to watch for

  • Pressure at checkout to add a plan before you can think it over
  • Plans that overlap the maker's free warranty for the first year or more
  • Exclusions and deductibles hidden in the fine print
  • Car warranty calls or mailers that look urgent and official
  • Monthly plans that keep billing after the product is gone
  • Claims that require shipping the item at your own cost

Had one of these happen? Telling others what you were charged helps them avoid it.

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Free and low-cost alternatives

The manufacturer's warrantyMost new products come with a free warranty from the maker. Read it to see what is covered and for how long before buying more.
Credit card benefitsSome credit cards extend the maker's warranty on purchases. Check your card's benefits guide or call the number on your card.
FTC guidance on service contractsThe FTC's consumer website explains how extended warranties and service contracts work and what to ask before buying.
Set aside your own repair moneyInstead of a plan, some people save the cost in a fund for repairs. It stays your money if nothing breaks.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

How companies charge more here: Add-ons with no price · Locked-in ink and parts · Paying for support

What fair pricing looks like

A fair plan clearly lists what is covered, what is excluded, the deductible, and how to cancel for a prorated refund. Compare its price with the cost of a likely repair and with the coverage you already have.

Before you pay

  • Read the manufacturer's warranty to see what is already covered.
  • Check if your credit card extends warranties.
  • Ask about exclusions, deductibles and how claims work.
  • Ask who actually provides the plan and services claims.
  • Ask if you can cancel later for a prorated refund.

How to cancel

  1. Check the plan's terms for cancellation; many offer a full refund within a set period and prorated refunds later.
  2. Contact the plan provider, not just the store, and ask for written confirmation.
  3. For monthly plans, cancel when you sell or replace the product.
  4. For car warranty plans financed with a loan, ask the lender to apply refunds properly.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Do I need an extended warranty on electronics?

Often not. Many products are covered by the manufacturer's warranty for the first year or longer, and some credit cards add extra coverage. Consider a plan only if repairs would be expensive, the item is likely to break, and the plan's terms are clear. Read the exclusions first.

Are the car warranty calls I get real?

Be very cautious. The FTC warns about unwanted calls and mailers about auto warranties that use urgent language to pressure people. Do not give payment information to an unexpected caller. If you want a vehicle service contract, research it yourself and compare options from sources you choose.

Can I get money back if I cancel a protection plan?

Many plans allow cancellation with a full refund within a short period and a prorated refund afterward, sometimes minus a fee. Read your contract or ask the provider. Request the refund in writing and keep a copy of your request and confirmation.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.