Should You Buy an Extended Warranty on Your Computer?
When you purchase a new computer, you may be offered an extended warranty. These are not the cheapest items to purchase, so you need to consider carefully whether or not the expense is worthwhile.
Look at the Length of Coverage You Already Have
Your computer may already come with coverage under a manufacturer's warranty. Check the length of this coverage. If it is sufficient, then extended coverage may not be necessary. However, these are typically quite short, and you may want to add the additional protection an extended warranty offers.
Look at What Is Covered
An extended warranty does not necessary cover everything about your computer. Your monitor, for instance, may be excluded, and this will be quite expensive to replace if it breaks. Also, look at whether or not service is covered. Sometimes only parts are covered, so you will be left holding a bill if you have a problem. Finally, find out if technical support is included with the coverage.
Find Out Who Covers the Warranty
Learn what company backs the warranty. In today's economy, big box retailers are closing their stores frequently, so if the warranty is only covered under the store's name, you will be in trouble if the store closes in a year or two. Often a third-party covers the warranty. This will protect you from store closings, but it may mean your customer service is sacrificed, as you will have to send your computer away to get it fixed, rather than working with a local technician face to face. You will have to decide which option you prefer.
If you are in the market for a new computer, be sure to check out the options at Computers for Sale.
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