Warranty Rights FAQ

Questions:

• When I buy a consumer product, is it covered by a warranty?
• What is an express warranty?
• What is an implied warranty?
• How do I enforce a warranty if something is wrong with what I bought?
• Do I have any recourse if the item breaks after the warranty expires?
• I just bought a stereo system, and the sales clerk tried to sell me an extended warranty contract. Should I have bought the contract?

Answer:

When I buy a consumer product, is it covered by a warranty?

Most new consumer products today are covered by a warranty. A warranty (also called a guarantee) is an assurance or promise about the quality of goods or services you buy. It's purpose is to give you recourse if something you purchase fails to live up to what you were promised.

Some warranties are implied and some are expressed, or "express." An express warranty can be written or oral. For more information, see What is an express warranty? below. While only some products are sold with an express warranty, all products come with implied warranties unless the seller or manufacturer has "disclaimed" the implied warranty. For more information, see What is an implied warranty? below.