Cover for breakdown of electronic items - e.g. TV

*starla*

Hi all,

Does anyone have any advice on what the best way is to cover an electronic item beyond the manufacturer's guarantee?

I normally don't take any extra protection out as it always seems to be such a rip off and for items worth less than a couple of hundred it usually doesn't seem worth it.

However I am looking at buying a new TV which will be around £550, so I really don't want to take the risk of it breaking after a couple of years.

I have upgraded my home contents insurance so that we are covered for any accidental damage, it only cost about £8 for the remaining 3 months of the policy.

But what is the best way to have cover in case the item breaks outside of guarantee? The policies sold by the vendors seem very expensive. Do manufacturers offer any better value cover? Or can you get this from an independent company?

Advice would be very much appreciated!!

superscaper

Sale of Goods Act covers you (depending on item's expected lifetime) up to six years for inherent faults. A decent ish TV would certainly be covered for at least three years plus. Why pay money for something that is already covered by law? Unless it covers accidental damage there's not really any use to buying extra protection. Of course many retailers seem to have amnesia when it comes to consumer law so you'd probably have to push for it if it came down to needing to use it.

Marty_J

Personally I would put £20 a month into a savings account. In two years you'll have saved enough to replace the TV if it breaks. If it doesn't break, you'll still have the money to spend as you like.

penrhyn

You could buy it from John Lewis who give you a five year guarantee, check prices though.
Empire Direct will give you a 3 year one if you buy one of their loyalty cards for 320.