Buying an appliance warranty from previous owner

scarletjim

I've just moved house, and they left their big American-style fridge freezer. The previous owner recently took out an extended warranty, and says that if I pay her the proportion remaining, she will transfer it to me. Otherwise she says she will cancel it and get her money back from the warranty company. A few queries on this:

- If I don't want to do this (not sure I can afford £97 right now), I know I will have no guarantee rights, but will she really be able to get a refund on on the proportion outstanding?
- If not, what % is she likely to get, and should I make her an offer say halfway between that amount and the amount she is asking me for?

They were pretty tough negotiators for the sale, so I don't think I owe them any financial favours. I don't want to rip anyone off, but I don't want to get ripped off myself either...

Any thoughts?

ic

I'd be surprised if it were transferable to be honest - or that she'd be able to claim a refund. Why would the warranty company want to do her any favours - they've got her tied in, why let her go?

Personally I'd self insure, especially if its a good make with no reported problems for the model online. Keep the money, and spend it on fixing it if/when it breaks. Myself, I've never needed a repair in eight years on my washing machine, dishwasher, cooker, hob, or fridge/freezer. What I could have spent on extended warranties over all those years is more than enough to have purchased replacements - had I needed to (which I haven't yet).

macman

A complete waste of money. White goods, especially fridge/freezers, are generally very reliable.
If you got it for nothing anyway, you won't lose anything if it did fail.

McKneff

She is pulling your plonker,

She wouldnt get the money back from the waranty company, full stop.
I dont believe, either, that she could transfer the warranty to you.
Tell her to leave the paperwork so you can read over it first before deciding.
I bet she suddenly cant find it.

She's trying to diddle you in my opinion.

She is treating you as if you are stupid.
Google it if you have doubts.

BertieUK

In my experience, extended warranties may give you peace of mind, but are a total waste of money. Most white goods are covered for at least the first year under warranty and it is highly unlikely that after that date, if you look after the item, that they will break down completely.

I also think that these warranties cannot be transferred, I do not know of anyone being successful with that one.

The money that you save from not getting extended warranties will more than buy a new appliance when the time comes.

Only in my opinion of course.
Kind regards

Bob

diable

Don't bother, um and arrr and say that you may not want the fridge then and see if they offer to take it as it will cost them a lot more.

They left it behind as it won't fit to where they are moving to.

scarletjim

Hmmm, that sounds like a resounding 'don't do it'.

I have just Googled this though, and found a few interesting things - all websites about this seem to say that you can be refunded on a warranty at any point on a pro-rata basis as long as you've not made a claim! That's seem strange...

abankerbutnotafatcat

We just got extended warranties with John Lewis. As I intend to move before they expire I asked if they were transferable. I was told that they are and that a request to transfer is never refused.

Personally, It hadn't crossed my mind to charge for this, I saw it as an added benefit in buying my house - I can tell the buyer that the appliances are still under warranty.

The JL warranties were very reasonable btw - worked out at c£20 per extra year for appliances that cost £600 - £700.

gibson123

My brother always takes extended warranty, When he got a new kitchen and all new appliances, I suggested he puts the money in a separate account instead and use this to replace any goods that go on the bum. He is actually quite handy at fixing things anyway so I have never understood why he needs htese. He is yet to make a "claim" on his warranty account, he is going to spend the money on a holiday.

katejo

Personally I don't think buying extended warranties for home electrical goods is worthwhile. However you could ring the provider of your seller's one and ask the following:
1. Is it transferable?
2 Do they refund warranties at all?

I have just given away a Hotpoint fridge freezer on Freecycle. I did not have an extended warranty but was still eligible for replacement parts without charge. I asked whether the new owner would be able to register it in their name in case parts were needed. I was told that this would not be a problem.

tlh858

If you really want an extended warranty, go and buy one yourself.

You have nothing to gain and a lot to lose by paying the previous owner for the remainder of theirs.