used, rebuilt or remanufactured items;
computer hardware, accessories or peripherals, computer repair or software; or
automobiles, motorboats, airplanes, motorcycles, motorscooters, snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, golf carts, lawn tractors or any other motorized vehicles (except for miniature electrically powered vehicles intended for recreational use by children) or any of their respective parts or accessories.

As I purchased a new laptop

However, I recently went online to add a warranty of an item at Square Trade and found out they no longer sell warranty services to Wisconsin nor Maine.

I find I am using Paypal for most of my purchases. What I’d like to see is an in depth article about any kind of warranty extension you receive if you purchase through Paypal. I believe there is supposed to be something, but I have not had time to look into it further. Also, what if your credit card is actually a debit card through your bank? Do the same warranty coverages apply?

I would also like to see an article that contains a listing and analysis of low cost online warranty service providers other than Square Trade. Perhaps the article could include ranking of providers by price, how long they have been in business, complaints against them by BBB, and any pitfalls about their contracts. Example: clauses that may allow them to not cover your situation.

Good article. I’ll be looking into credit cards further as an option to replace Square Trade.

to the good life,

mark

Both claims involved lcd tv’s. The Visa warranty covered the first one. I was required to take it to a service facility and get a repair estimate. The manufacturer was defunct, and the technician could not get the necessary part. He put this on the estimate, I submitted to Visa, and they reimbursed me for the full purchase price plus sales tax. A remarkably hassle free experience.

Under the purchased extended warranty, the administrator selects a servicer to do in home repair, if possible. The terms of the contract are vague and consistently vest all determinations with the administrator. In this instance the part was ordered but was still not received after 60 days. At that point they offered a different unit as a replacement or the cash value of that unit in cash.

I must admit that their ultimate settlement was reasonable, but it was a long time coming. I was revlieved however because I had no idea what to expect given the amiguity and vagaries of the contract language. But I think had it been covered by the Visa policy I might well have gotten back $900 more.

Credit cards are one of the great freebies for those who have self discipline and don’t carry balances. They are great for managing finances, convenient, safe, and can generate a substantial financial bonus through rewards programs and benefits such as these. I am buying a replacement LCD today, and will be purchasing the Visa 5 year coverage at a cost of $96 versus $249 from the retailer for what I am pretty sure is an inferiorior product.

However, over the long run most consumers are better off switching to a debit card and paying all cash after comparison shopping. Getting involved with credit cards can just expose you unnecessarily to the risks inherent in borrowing – e.g. abusive fees or high interest rates.

Thanks,

James