6 things an extended warranty plan for your gadgets won’t cover

The last time you purchased any sort of a gadget, it’s likely you also purchased an extended warranty plan to protect it. While buying a plan is all well and good, it is equally important to understand and take note of what the things the plan does and doesn’t cover.

ALSO READ: What is an extended warranty and why you should purchase it

It’s common knowledge that manufacturing defects will be covered and rectified under the plan, but there is often ambiguity around the things the plan doesn’t cover. So, here’s a handy list of things that your extended warranty plan may not cover, so as to ensure you’re not misled in the future.

6 things extended warranty plans do not cover

1. Accidental or deliberate damage

It is a common misconception that accidental damage to a product is covered under extended warranty plans. Whether it’s an accidental ding to your refrigerator or shattering of your smartphone‘s screen, this plan won’t cover damage to your products – whether unintentional or intentional.

2. Liquid damage

Forgot your earphones in the pocket and put your trousers to wash or went out in the rain and water entered your phone screen? Whatever the case, a device’s extended warranty does not cover liquid damage. While the market is flooded (pun unintended) with water resistant devices, it is worth noting that water resistance denotes resistance only to accidental splashes. Truly waterproof devices can also only withstand water pressure up to a certain amount of time and depth.

If you really want to protect your mobile devices against liquid damage of any kind, consider ZipCare’s Accidental Damage and Liquid Damage plans available for smartphones and tablets.

3. Loss or theft

Nothing beats the pain of misplacing or losing your precious device to theft. Unfortunately, an extended warranty won’t bring you relief. A dedicated insurance plan is more likely to protect your device against loss or theft. Most plans cost only a fraction of the device itself and are a great investment for the long run.

ALSO READ: 3 ways to find a lost phone

4. Damage from electrical faults

Any gadget or appliance requires power to run – whether via a power point or battery. Power surges are a known cause of damage to a device, often beyond repair. Most parts affected due to the same will not be covered under warranty plans. Therefore, consider unplugging your device during thunderstorms or use the likes of surge protectors and stabilisers.

5. Damage due to third-party repairs or modifications

While taking your device down to the local technician is tempting, know that this would immediately void the manufacturer’s warranty as well as any extended warranty plan. Since the new damage is a result of the user’s actions, manufacturers assume that one intentionally damaged their product, including pre-existing defects.

6. Wear and tear

Nothing lasts forever, and your electronics are no exception. All devices are prone to certain forms of wear and tear, which are not covered by extended warranty plans. It is recommended doing one’s research beforehand, and replace the devices before they spoil beyond repair.