When a warranty is warranted
I can't tell you how many readers I hear from who are shocked, dismayed, p.o.'d, disturbed to find out that the warranty they bought didn't cover their TV, computer, washer or what-have-you the way they thought it was supposed to.
Warranties are a tricky business. It plays on your fear that that product you just purchased could break down or have some problem somewhere down the road. To buy or not buy the warranty is something we should all be asking ourselves whenever the salesperson asks us about it (not just because it's usually pricey, but also because it could be completely useless to you in most cases).
Check out the very useful story on warranties by Megan and Allison that ran yesterday and then, every time you think to buy a warranty, keep in mind what Consumer Reports senior editor Tod Marks said, "For the vast majority of products, the extended warranty doesn't pay.
Extended warranty advice
• Don't pay more than 10 percent to 20 percent of the price of the product.• Consider buying accidental damage insurance for products such as laptops. It can be costly, up to 30 percent of the product price.
• Find out where the product would be repaired.
• For larger devices such as big-screen televisions, find out whether the warranty provides house calls.
• Consider whether the manufacturer's warranty already covers the repairs and the time period being offered under a service contract.
Products that experts recommend purchasing extended warranties for:
• Apple computers
• Rear projection televisions
• Laptops
A native of Vietnam, 