Understand which protection applies to your purchase
A warranty is a voluntary seller/manufacturer guarantee, often time-limited and with restrictions. Consumer rights are automatic legal protections that last 6 years and cannot be waived. Consumer rights are broader and stronger. If a product is faulty, claim under consumer rights law first—they apply even if the warranty has expired.
A warranty is a promise from a seller or manufacturer to repair or replace a product if it develops a fault within a specified period. Warranties are voluntary—the seller chooses to offer them. They typically last 1-3 years and often exclude accidental damage, wear-and-tear, misuse, and modifications. Warranties are contractual obligations between you and the manufacturer, not statutory rights.
Extended warranties (offered for extra cost) are additional limited guarantees that extend coverage beyond the standard warranty period.
Consumer rights are automatic legal protections granted to every buyer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. They apply regardless of whether a seller offers a warranty. Consumer rights require goods to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. These rights cannot be waived or limited by sellers. You have 6 years from purchase to claim.
Consumer rights are broader than warranties—you can claim for refunds, repair, replacement, or damages. The seller cannot exclude these rights with a contract term.
Yes. Consumer rights last 6 years from purchase, regardless of the warranty expiry date. If the fault existed at the point of sale (even if it appears later), you can claim under consumer rights law.
Extended warranties are often overpriced. You already have consumer rights protection for 6 years. Extended warranties can be useful for expensive items if they offer benefits consumer rights don't (e.g., accidental damage), but read the terms carefully.
No. Consumer rights cannot be waived or excluded. Any contract term trying to do so is void. Always have the full statutory protection, even if you sign away warranty rights.
Within 30 days, you can reject faulty goods for a full refund. Warranties often only offer repair or replacement. Beyond 30 days, you can claim damages for inconvenience and losses. Warranties are more restrictive.
No. You can claim under consumer rights law instead of using the warranty. In fact, consumer rights claims are often faster and give you stronger remedies (like refunds for faulty goods within 30 days).
Use our RightsCheck tool to determine whether warranty or consumer rights applies to your situation.
Check Your Rights