ABA Family Legal Guide

Contracts and Consumer Law

Types of Contracts

Warranties

How can I protect my warranty rights?

First, keep your receipts through the warranty period. They are your proof of when the warranty period starts and ends, and are more important than the warranty return card. (That card often is just a marketing device to learn more about you.)

Also remember that any violation of the manufacturer's operating and service instructions probably will void the warranty.

If a problem arises, try the store where you got the item. It may be able to go around the warranty process, especially if it's very soon after your acquisition. If you end up contacting the manufacturer, do so only as instructed in the warranty. Keep a list of the people with whom you have spoken or letters you have written. It's a good idea to contact the manufacturer in writing, keeping copies of all correspondence, at the address specified in the warranty. That's especially true if you aren't getting quick responses. Your correspondence file will protect your warranty rights near the end of the coverage period.