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27 November 2009
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What's the difference between a guarantee and a warranty?

A guarantee:

  • Is usually free
  • It's a promise to sort out any defects with a product or service within a fixed period of time
  • It's a legally binding contract, even if you didn't pay for it
  • It must explain how to go about making a claim in a way that is easy to understand
  • It should add to, not take away from, your rights under consumer law
  • It works whether or not you have a warranty

A warranty:

  • A warranty is like an insurance policy for which you must pay a premium
  • Sometimes it's called an 'extended guarantee'
  • It might cover a longer period than a guarantee, and it might cover a wider range of problems
  • A warranty is a legal contract, so you can take the company to court if they don't honour it
  • The terms of the contract should be clear and fair
  • Having a warranty doesn't diminish your rights under consumer law
  • A warranty can run alongside a guarantee


an arrow I bought a cashback warranty and I can't get my cash back
an arrow I think my warranty is unfair
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The information on this page is a guide based on the law at 1 June 2009. It does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your own lawyer for further information regarding your rights. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.



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