Do Warranties Cover Accidental Damage?

Warranties are generally limited to defects in materials or workmanship and typically do not cover accidental damage. However, there are exceptions depending on the type of warranty and the specific terms set by the manufacturer or retailer.

Coverage Under Standard Manufacturer Warranties

1. Defects in Materials or Workmanship: A standard manufacturer warranty usually covers defective products—those with problems that arise due to poor materials, faulty craftsmanship, or malfunctions that occur under normal use. This type of warranty generally excludes accidental damage.

2. Accidental Damage: Damage that occurs from drops, spills, cracks, or impact is typically not covered by the standard warranty. For example, if you drop your phone and the screen cracks, the manufacturer warranty would likely not cover the repair or replacement.

Extended Warranties and Accidental Damage Coverage

1. Accidental Damage Coverage: Some extended warranties or service plans offer accidental damage protection. This can be purchased separately and often covers damage from mishaps, such as a cracked screen, water damage, or other unintentional harm.

2. Examples of Accidental Damage Coverage:

• AppleCare+ offers accidental damage coverage for Apple devices, but requires a service fee for each incident.
• Best Buy’s Geek Squad Protection Plan may cover accidental damage for items like laptops, phones, and home appliances.

Exclusions and Conditions

1. Terms and Conditions: Always read the fine print of your warranty to understand what is excluded. Some warranties may exclude certain types of damage such as water damage, cosmetic damage, or damage caused by misuse.

2. Proof of Accident: In the case of accidental damage coverage, the warranty provider may require proof that the damage was indeed accidental, rather than due to misuse or intentional harm.

Example

If you purchase a laptop with a one-year manufacturer warranty, and the laptop experiences a hardware failure, the warranty would likely cover the repair. However, if you accidentally spill coffee on the keyboard and it stops working, the manufacturer warranty would not cover the repair. If you had purchased an extended warranty that includes accidental damage protection, that might cover the repair or replacement for a fee.

Conclusion

Standard warranties typically do not cover accidental damage, but extended warranties or service plans can provide this coverage. It's important to check the warranty terms to see what is covered and consider purchasing additional coverage if you want protection against accidental damage.