Damaged laptop from Argos - can still possibly return?

Bristoling

Hi, I've recently bought a laptop from Argos (2 weeks ago) for £600, unfortunately I already had an accident and spilled some small amount of beer over it, and it hasn't been working since - won't boot up at all.

I have asked in Laptop repair shop about best course of action and the guy said just to get it into original packaging and return it to Argos under their 30 day return policy and never mention anything about any damage, instead to get money back or say I need something better and get different model. My worry is that they will want to check if the laptop is working and will find out the damage.
He also said that he could open it up, clean it and see if it works for a charge of £40 if it does and £20 if it doesn't, but probably the repair cost will be more expensive (up to 50% of laptops worth), since beer can cause a lot more damage and some parts including motherboard might need replacing.

There is also a cover, 2 year Breakdown Care laptop 600 to 799, that I could buy for £150 (sorry as new poster I cannot provide a link), however, I do not know if it covers for accidental water damage. I could buy the plan, wait a week or two and return the laptop claiming replacement, don't think there is a way for them to find out if the accident happened before or after buying the care plan.

So:
1a) Should I give it to a repair shop, spend money and see if it works? If it doesn't and estimated repair costs is much higher, can I still go with the plan or will they know that the laptop was opened? This is what I would like to do first, spend just 20-40 pounds first but still have an option of the Breakdown Cover.
1b) Does this plan cover water damage? I couldn't find anything in particular about it but I might have missed it.
2) Should I instead try to return it like nothing happened? What if they check it if is in working condition and its dead?
2b) If they take it back without questions but find out its been water damaged afterwards, will I get charged for full repair cost? I payed for the laptop with my card so they know my details...

Need help please!

unforeseen

Don't know about the insurance but the laptop repair guys suggestion is fraudulent.

Tiexen

Argos 30 day return:
"The item should be unused, in its original packaging and in a re-sellable condition"

Does your house contents insurance have accidental damage?

LABMAN

The damage you caused aside the Argos 30 day return policy is for unused items. As you have used (and abused) the laptop they will not take it back.

Fosterdog

Claim off your contents insurance if you have accidental damage cover, or your bank if you have gadget insurance with them.

Otherwise suck it up

soolin

I suspect a wind up, spills beer on a lap top and expects people to say it's OK to take back to Argos.

No one would be that naïve surely.

Bristoling

Living in UK, contents insurance isn't really a thing and I don't have anything like that.

Silvester89

If you took it back as faulty, the chances are Argos wouldn't check it carefully enough to realise. But obviously it's ethically wrong. I'd day home insurance is probably best bet if you want to be honest.

TadleyBaggie

Bristoling wrote: »

Living in UK, contents insurance isn't really a thing and I don't have anything like that.

It's very much a thing in the UK.

TadleyBaggie

Silvester89 wrote: »

I'd day home insurance is probably best bet if you want to be honest.

OP clearly has no intention of being honest.

LilElvis

Bristoling wrote: »

Living in UK, contents insurance isn't really a thing and I don't have anything like that.

Yes, contents insurance really is a thing. It's the thing you needed to have before you spilt your beer.