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What Does Limited Warranty Mean?

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:11 PM

Key Takeaways:

  • Manufacturers generally offer a limited warranty when purchasing a computer, laptop, or display.
  • These limited warranties typically last at least 90 days, with some being good for up to five years.
  • Limited warranties generally cover defects in materials and workmanship. They do not typically cover accidental damage.

Most high-quality computer monitor manufacturers offer a limited warranty that sets in upon initial purchase, though there can be some confusion as to what is and is not covered by this warranty. We are here with some answers.

Limited Warranty Policy for Computers and Laptops

Whenever you purchase a computer monitor, a computer, or a laptop from a well-known manufacturer, you also get a limited warranty of some kind. These warranties can range in length from 90 days all the way up to five years, depending on the device purchased and manufacturer policy.

What Is and Isn’t Covered

Generally speaking, these limited warranties offer some exclusions. In other words, not everything will be covered even if you have not extended beyond the length of the policy. This can sometimes include enhanced display devices like 3D computer monitors. These exclusions vary depending on the manufacturer, but here are some general guidelines.

Warning: In other words, not everything will be covered even if you have not extended beyond the length of the policy

If you’re not sure your display device will be covered by a warranty, educate yourself on what computer monitor you have, its features, and its age. All of these specifics are important to get a good warranty.

Defects in Materials and Workmanship

Across the board, limited warranties tend to always cover any defects in materials and in workmanship. What does this mean? If your monitor or computer arrives broken, then the manufacturer should replace it with no questions asked. Of course, these defects in materials and workmanship have to be noticed and recognized before the policy ends.

Tip: If your monitor or computer arrives broken, then the manufacturer should replace it with no questions asked

Warning: Of course, these defects in materials and workmanship have to be noticed and recognized before the policy ends

Accidental Damage

Limited warranties do not typically cover accidental damage, though exceptions do exist. This means that if you spill a cup of coffee on your laptop, the limited warranty will not cover the cost of repair. This also pertains to abuse and issues pertaining to a faulty electrical outlet. If you are worried about encountering accidental damage, you may want to consider an extended warranty, such as those offered by Apple and Geek Squad.

Tip: Limited warranties do not typically cover accidental damage, though exceptions do exist

Tip: If you are worried about encountering accidental damage, you may want to consider an extended warranty, such as those offered by Apple and Geek Squad

Post-sale Technical Support

Most limited warranty policies do allow consumers access to free post-sale technical support. The manufacturer should offer a customer support phone number, an email address, and a website URL where consumers can access help. In the case of a computer or laptop, the manufacturer should also offer post-sale driver updates and other forms of basic support.

Transferable Warranties

Limited warranties are typically non-transferable. This means if you sell or trade your device, the initial warranty policy becomes null and void. This is not always the case when it comes to extended warranties, as some, such as Apple Care, allow consumers to transfer the warranty to a new person upon sale.

Warning: Limited warranties are typically non-transferable

STAT:

Companies should offer a full refund or replacement if an item arrives damaged.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implied_warranty

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warranty

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_warranty

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh0eyiIpO0c

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-6419.1989.tb00057.x

Limited Warranty Policy for Computers and Laptops FAQ

What is a valid proof of purchase?

Some limited warranties require valid proof of purchase. This can be in the form of a sales receipt, a confirmation email, or an order number.

What do I do if I need warranty service?

If you need warranty service, check out the documentation that came with your device. Look for a customer service phone number or an email address.

May I transfer the limited hardware warranty?

Likely not. Most limited warranty policies are non-transferable. This means if you sell or trade the device, the warranty will become null and void.

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