Extended Warranties – Should you?

I am often asked by customers who purchase computers via GJ’s Computer Services or whom are seeling advice whether they should pay for an extended warranty on their new equipment.

Anyone who has purchased a computer from a retail store will have received the sales pitch that they should take out an extended warranty.

Generally, all computers come with a standard one-year manufacturers warranty. In purchasing a new computer you are expecting it to last for at least three years. So is an extended warranty a worthwhile investment? Like any insurance, you are spending money today on an outcome that may never eventuate.

Many experts suggest that if some fault (minor or major) is to occur it is most likely to occur during the first year (i.e. during the manufacturers warranty) or after the third year. In my experience this is to abitrary. A computer fault or breakdown can occur at any time. For example, many years ago I bought a new Dell Desktop. The had disk failed in three months. Parts of computers that often need replacing are motherboards and fans.

It is my considered opinion and advice that purchasers of new computers do spend the extra and take out the extended warranty. If something does go wrong and requires a technician to visit your premises (if the extended warranty covers on site service) and replace a faulty part you will be very happy that you spent the money at the time. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the value of the equipment purchased and if you are confident in the outlet offerring the extended warraanty.

As always happy computing.

I am always happy to receive any comments and answer any questions you have.

Geejay