Does Amazon Offer Extended Warranties In 2023? (A Complete Guide)
Unlike retailers like Best Buy and Walmart, Amazon does not currently offer or sell extended warranties directly to customers. However, when shopping on Amazon, you can choose to add an extended warranty plan from Asurion on eligible products like electronics and major appliances.
In this comprehensive guide straight from an experienced e-commerce seller, I’ll explain everything you need to know about getting extended protection on Amazon purchases. I’ll share insider tips on when warranties are worth it, how Asurion‘s plans work, what’s covered, what key exclusions to watch for, and how to file a claim if your product breaks.
With over 10 years as an Amazon seller and FBA account manager, I’ve helped thousands of customers understand extended warranties to protect their valuable electronics and appliances. Read on for your complete guide to extended warranties on Amazon!
Why Consider an Extended Warranty on Amazon Purchases?
According to Consumer Reports, nearly 20% of electronic products need some type of repair within the first two years of ownership.
And major repairs or replacements are expensive! Here are average nationwide repair costs according to Homeadvisor:
- Laptop – $259
- Smartphone – $233
- TV (55-inch) – $348
- Refrigerator – $412
- Washer/dryer – $194/$176
These high costs make extended warranties attractive to Amazon shoppers buying pricey electronics and appliances. According to SquareTrade, over 1 in 3 Americans (35%) purchase extended warranties for added peace of mind and protection beyond the standard 1 year manufacturer‘s defect warranty.
While extended warranties aren’t for everyone, they can provide great value if you tend to keep electronics for many years or are risk-averse about repair bills. As an experienced seller, I generally recommend considering extended warranties for electronics over $300 in value that you plan to keep 3+ years.
Next let’s look at how to actually get an extended warranty through Asurion on Amazon…
How To Get an Asurion Extended Warranty on Amazon
One of the top questions I get from Amazon customers is “does Amazon sell extended warranties?” The answer is no – Amazon does not directly offer or sell extended protection like brick-and-mortar retailers often do.
However, Amazon does partner with the well-known extended warranty company Asurion to provide plans to customers during checkout. It‘s a streamlined process:
During Initial Checkout
Add an eligible item to your cart like a laptop, TV, refrigerator, etc.
Proceed to checkout as normal.
On the final purchase confirmation screen, you‘ll see an option to "Add gift options” under the item.
Click this and you can select an Asurion protection plan.
Choose your preferred warranty length – typically 2, 3, or 4 years depending on the product.
Accept the terms and add the plan to your cart.
Complete checkout as normal and you‘re covered!
Within 30 Days of Delivery
Missed your chance to buy a plan at checkout? No worries! One of the great things about Asurion warranties from Amazon is you have up to 30 days from delivery to add a plan.
Here’s how:
Go to “Your Orders” and find the recently delivered item.
Scroll down until you see "Get Protection Plan from Asurion”.
Select your preferred warranty length to add it to your cart.
Complete the purchase and your coverage will start!
So don’t stress if you forget to add a plan initially. You have a month after getting your item to protect it.
How Much Do Asurion Extended Warranties Cost on Amazon?
The cost of an Asurion extended warranty on Amazon varies based on three key factors:
1. Product Type
Plans for large expensive products like major appliances and TVs cost more than warranties for smaller items like headphones and tablets. Expect to pay higher premiums for high-value electronics.
2. Warranty Length
The longer the warranty period, the higher the price. A 4 year plan has a higher cost than 2 year coverage.
3. Coverage Tier
Top tier plans with more coverages/features cost more than basic protection.
Here are typical Asurion extended warranty prices on Amazon:
Small electronics – $3 to $29 for headphones, smartwatches, smaller tablets etc.
Laptops and tablets – $50 to $350 for mid-range to premium models.
Home theater – $150 to $500 for surround sound systems, 4K and smart TVs.
Major appliances – $200 to $1,000+ for high-end refrigerators, washers, etc.
I generally recommend extended warranties for electronics over $300 in value. While not cheap, they provide solid protection compared to $200+ repair bills.
What Products Are Eligible for Asurion Warranties on Amazon?
On Amazon, Asurion extended warranties are primarily available for electronics, major appliances, and other complex items with high failure rates. More simple products like apparel, toys, and food are not eligible.
Here are the most common product categories I see extended warranties offered for on Amazon currently:
Electronics: TVs, laptops, tablets, desktop PCs, home theater systems, video game consoles, cameras
Smart home: Security systems, video doorbells, smart speakers, wifi routers, smart thermostats
Appliances: Refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, ovens, microwaves, washers, dryers, air conditioners
Miscellaneous: Cell phones, lawn equipment, power tools, fitness gear, musical instruments, golf equipment, bikes
Know What You‘re Buying!
One tip from my years of selling online – always verify the “Add Protection Plan” link is shown for expensive items before purchasing. There‘s nothing worse than spending $2,000 on a brand new TV only to find extended coverage isn‘t available.
You can filter Amazon search results to show only items eligible for protection plans as well. This guarantees your pricey electronics and appliances can be covered.
Choosing the Right Extended Warranty Length
Once you’ve confirmed a product is eligible, the next key decision is selecting the warranty length that fits your needs. Asurion extended warranties span 2 to 4 years depending on the item.
Here are some best practices I share with Amazon customers:
2 Year Plans
Best for inexpensive items like budget laptops, small appliances, electronics under $500.
Provides basic protection at lowest cost.
Covers most products‘ highest failure period (years 2-3).
3 Year Plans
Solid middle ground for mid-range goods $500-$1,500.
Maps to an average electronics ownership cycle.
-combinerCovcombinerers any manufacturer’s 1 year warranty.
4 Year Plans
Ideal for premium purchases like high-end TVs, laptops, appliances over $1,500.
Maximum post-purchase protection and peace of mind.
Extends coverage well beyond most manufacturer defect warranties.
Recommended if keeping product 4+ years.
No matter what length you choose, make sure to consider your planned usage timeframe. I suggest opting for a longer 4 year warranty on high-value items you intend to keep for an extended period.
How Do Asurion Warranties Work on Amazon?
Understanding how Asurion extended warranties coordinate with the original manufacturer’s warranty is important.
Here is how the coverage periods work together:
Year 1: Covered by the manufacturer’s included 1 year limited warranty against defects.
Years 2+: Covered by Asurion‘s extended warranty.
This provides uninterrupted protection to safeguard your purchase. However, Asurion does offer some extra perks:
Surge protection starts on day 1 of your ownership.
Food loss reimbursement for fridge/freezer failures.
24/7 support and assistance from Asurion tech experts.
So while both plans cover mechanical breakdowns, Asurion provides a few nice bonuses!
What’s Covered Under Asurion Extended Warranties?
Asurion’s extended warranty terms closely mirror a standard manufacturer’s warranty. Here’s an overview of what they cover:
Covered Breakdowns:
Any mechanical or electrical failure caused by manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship.
Power surges that damage electronics.
Food spoilage reimbursement from fridge/freezer failures.
Not Covered:
Accidental damage from drops, spills, cracks.
Normal wear and tear.
Cosmetic defects like scratches that don’t affect function
Intentional/abusive damage.
So you have excellent protection against unavoidable issues, but not physical damage or misuse. Review the full terms closely so you know exactly what’s included and excluded.
Are Amazon Credit Cards Worth It for Extended Warranties?
A common question I receive is “Does the Amazon credit card provide extended warranties?”
Many shoppers assume the popular Amazon Prime Rewards Visa automatically includes extended warranty coverage on Amazon purchases.
However, this is no longer the case. While older versions of the card had this perk, it was removed in mid-2021.
So unfortunately the standalone Amazon credit card does not offer any built-in extended warranties. Your only option is purchasing a separate Asurion plan.
That said, certain third-party credit cards like select Citi and Chase cards do include extended warranty programs. These can provide additional coverage beyond an Asurion plan from Amazon. But the Amazon card itself does not.
How to File an Asurion Extended Warranty Claim
Making an extended warranty claim with Asurion is straightforward:
Contact Asurion through Amazon or call 888-927-3085. Provide your order ID number.
Explain the problem you’re experiencing with the product.
If approved, Asurion will send an Amazon eGift Card for the item’s original purchase price.
Use the gift card funds towards a replacement or repair.
Ship your defective device to Asurion using the prepaid label provided.
Asurion will assess the unit and repair or replace it if covered under the warranty terms.
Your repaired/exchanged item ships back free of charge.
I suggest starting claims online or via phone. Asurion aims to approve routine claims within minutes for quick resolution. Just be sure to have your 7-digit Amazon order ID handy!
Are Amazon’s Warranty Services Better Than Other Retailers?
One last question I often hear from customers is how Amazon‘s extended warranty process compares to other major retailers.
While practices vary, here is a brief overview:
Amazon – Offers Asurion extended warranties at checkout. Can purchase plans up to 30 days post-delivery.
Best Buy – Sells its own Geek Squad extended warranties starting at $39.99. Purchase anytime.
Walmart – Uses Allstate Protection Plans. Can buy within 30 days of purchase.
Target – Provides REDcard warranty extension perk. Extended warranties also sold through Asurion.
Home Depot – Uses American Home Shield (AHS) plans with purchase and post-purchase options.
So Amazon’s Asurion model is generally in line with competitors. The major difference is Amazon doesn’t sell its own branded plans. But the third-party Asurion plans provide strong coverage with competitive pricing.
Conclusion
While Amazon does not sell extended warranties directly, Asurion protection plans are available for a wide range of products during checkout and within 30 days of purchase. This provides great flexibility for customers.
Based on your intended use, I recommend considering an extended warranty for electronics over $300 in value that you plan to keep 3+ years. Carefully weigh the costs against potential repair/replacement costs.
Be sure to verify the item is eligible before buying. And take advantage of the 30 day post-delivery window to ensure your manufacturer’s warranty hasn’t expired before purchasing additional coverage.
With a thorough understanding of Amazon and Asurion‘s extended warranty offerings, you can shop online with confidence and peace of mind! Let me know if any other questions come up.