An extended warranty is additional protection that takes effect after the manufacturer’s standard warranty expires. It may include longer service life, broader repair coverage, in-home service, and sometimes protection against accidental damage, such as a cracked screen after a fall. However, the exact terms depend on the seller or brand providing the warranty. Some plans do not cover accidental damage, so it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing.
The advisability of an extended warranty often depends on the type of TV and your situation. For expensive, high-end models, additional protection may be a wise investment, as repair costs can be significant. It can also be useful for budget TVs manufactured by OEMs and sold under different brands, as it can be difficult to find replacement parts after a few years. In families with small children or pets, additional protection can also provide peace of mind.
The cost of an extended warranty and its real value
Typically, the cost of an extended warranty is about ten percent of the price of the TV for a two- or three-year plan. Longer coverage, such as four or five years, may cost about twelve to thirteen percent of the purchase price.
According to statistics, the cost of repairing one TV under warranty is usually covered by the payments of ten to twenty other customers who have purchased the same plan. In other words, only a relatively small percentage of buyers actually use the warranty they paid for. But it’s like insurance: an extended plan is also insurance, but adapted to protect your device.
Is it worth buying an extended warranty?
Based on experience with electronics repairs, most problems occur within the first few months of use. These early problems are usually covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In addition, if you buy a TV from a well-known and reliable brand, the likelihood of it breaking down within the first few years is quite low.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal attitude toward risk. If additional protection gives you more confidence and you want to avoid unexpected repair costs, especially when buying an inexpensive TV, then an extended warranty may be a worthwhile option. However, many buyers prefer to rely on the manufacturer’s warranty and choose products from trusted brands with a good reputation for quality. Ultimately, it all comes down to how much you are willing to risk and how important reliability is to you.
It is worth noting that extended warranties are quite popular, and large companies immediately offer to purchase an extended warranty when buying a TV. For example, in 2026, Samsung is asking $499 for an extended 4-year warranty on an OLED TV costing $2,000, while LG is asking $250 for an extended 3-year warranty on a TV costing $2,000. As you can see, the average cost of protection for one year is around $80-120.
