Warranties
What do guarantees and warranties mean for my consumer rights?
What is the difference? Do I have any options if they are expired? Guarantees and warranties are in addition to your consumer rights. This means that irrespective of any warranty or guarantee you have rights if a product develops a fault. The main thing to remember is that the business that sold you the product is responsible for your consumer rights, not the manufacturer. Read on to find out more about what this means.
Good to know
A guarantee is usually provided by a manufacturer free of charge. It is a written document that agrees to repair or replace a broken item in certain circumstances.
Warranties are a commitment to repairing or replacing an item beyond the manufacturer’s guarantee period. They may also offer wider protection in cases of accidental damage. Unlike a guarantee, you will usually have to pay for a warranty.
No. A guarantee or warranty is in addition to your consumer rights. When you buy from a business, you enter into a contract with them, under which they have legal responsibilities to you. These rights are unaffected by any guarantee or warranty. This also means that even if your guarantee or warranty has expired or does not cover the problem, you may still be able to have the issue resolved. Under EU law you are entitled to raise a problem about a product up to two years from the purchase date. Find out more on our Faulty Goods advice page
