“Covered” rarely means what you think. See what your warranty really does.

In every state, products sold by merchants carry an automatic unwritten warranty that they work for their ordinary purpose — no paperwork needed. "As-is" disclaimers can waive it in some states but not others, and consumer-protection statutes often limit them. A dead product inside a reasonable lifespan may be covered even with no written warranty.

Generally no. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, warrantors can't condition coverage on using their own parts or service unless provided free. "Warranty void if seal broken" stickers are largely unenforceable — the company must show your repair caused the specific failure.

Demand the denial in writing with the specific exclusion cited, then check that exclusion against the warranty's actual text — denials routinely cite terms that don't apply. Magnuson-Moss lets consumers recover attorney's fees on written-warranty claims, which changes the company's math on small disputes.

Usually priced well above expected repair costs, and often duplicating protection you already have — the manufacturer warranty, implied warranties, and credit-card purchase protection. Read what the extended contract actually adds before paying; exclusion lists do most of the work.