Is it normal that 'accidental damage' is not covered by computer warranty?

fantasyvn

Could you pls advise.

My computer, bought from John Lewis, is still under warranty. I sent it to John Lewis, which forwarded the pc to HP. And they said  the pc requires the new mainboard, this have been identified to be needed due to evidence of accidental damage.

Due to the provided diagnosis a free repair under the terms of the guarantee will not be possible.

I have checked the warranty terms which said Your John Lewis guarantee excludes: Accidental damage, servicing, inspecting or cleaning of the insured product.

Does it mean that I have no way but to pay for the cost, if I want them to repair the pc?

Thank you for your advice.

EssexExile

Warranties normally cover problems due to faulty components or manufacture, in other words something that's their fault. They don't warranty against something that's your fault. So if it has been accidently damaged the warranty won't cover it, your home insurance may if you have accidental damage cover.

The_Fat_Controller

How did it get damaged ?

J_B

EssexExile said:

your home insurance may if you have accidental damage cover.

That would be my choice - be careful how you word your claim but maybe you accidentally knocked it off the table?

Whether they will accept any claim once it's been back to JL/HP, who knows!

JJ_Egan

Odd that a motherboard has ben damaged .

RealGem

Yes, it's normal not to cover accidental damage, only manufacturing fault.

But it sounds like they are passing the buck and saying accidental damage to get out of paying themselves. Insurance Co's try every trick in the book to get out of paying  a claim (that covers the warranty). Were you aware of any accidental damage before you contacted them?

If not, it's a shame it's gone through so many parties, and that makes it easier for them to lie. 

J_B

RealGem said:

.......... Insurance Co's try every trick in the book to get out of paying  a claim

OP says they've returned to JL to claim on their warranty - no mention of insurance company ... yet.

Jenni_D

Is this a laptop or desktop computer?

Have you ever opened it e.g. to fit new/additional RAM or a new graphics card?

Have they intimated as to the nature of the accidental damage? (not what was damaged - we know that; the mobo - but how)