Understanding IT Hardware Warranties

A woman sits at a white desk working on a laptop and multiple monitors

When you get a new electronic device, you're often asked, "Do you want to add an extended warranty?" Is it worth it to purchase a warranty on business hardware? What does it do, exactly?

WEBIT Services has helped clients in the greater Chicago area succeed in IT management, security, and strategy for over 25 years.

By reading this article, you will learn the definition of a hardware warranty, how to use it, and how it could benefit your business.

Understanding Warranties

A warranty is like insurance for your device. It ensures the manufacturer will fix or replace it if something goes wrong within a contracted time frame.

However, the warranty agreement doesn't cover loss or theft.

Warranties save you time and money. You don't have to worry about paying for repairs or a new device if your device is under warranty. The manufacturer takes care of it at no extra cost.

For example, if your new laptop's speakers stop working, you can contact the manufacturer, who will fix the computer or give you a new one so long as the warranty has not expired.

A warranty policy can be purchased for an additional fee if a complimentary warranty is not guaranteed with a new device.

Hardware Warranty FAQs

How long do warranties last?

In most cases, you can buy additional warranty coverage for timeframes between one and three years.

Most new devices have a warranty for one to three years, sometimes up to five. Your IT provider can check the warranty using the serial number.

How much do warranties cost?

Prices will vary based both on the device and the warrantied timeframe purchased.

More extended coverage and more expensive devices mean a higher cost.

For example, one year of coverage will cost less than the three-year package, and five years of coverage would be more expensive than three if a manufacturer or third-party service would even offer that length of time.

The warranty cost is often less than buying a new device.

Can warranties be extended?

Some warranties can be extended, but it depends on the manufacturer. If the device model and parts are still available, you can usually extend it.

A warranty and extensions are typically only available from a manufacturer if the hardware is still being manufactured. Once a device is removed from the market, the availability of a warranty extension decreases as there may not be any available replacement parts.

What happens when my warranty expires?

Once your warranty ends, you are fully responsible for repairs or replacements. The manufacturer no longer covers the hardware.

Warranties and Your IT Provider

Who is responsible for warranty service?

Responsibility for warranty service depends on the type. Some warranty policies involve on-site work or shipping a replacement part.

If you bought directly from the manufacturer, contact them for warranty service under the original or extended warranty terms.

If you bought from an IT provider or another vendor, contact them to connect with the manufacturer for any warranty work.

Understanding your warranty, terms, and conditions is essential, particularly regarding mission-critical hardware like servers.

Can my IT provider repair my hardware if I don’t want to get a warranty or if my warranty expires?

In most cases, quality IT providers can repair your device so long as they can both find replacement parts and repairs are possible. Providers often use third-party replacement parts rather than the manufacturer parts you’d get through the warranty.

While adept at hardware repair, your IT provider will likely need third-party parts to repair the device. Unfortunately, this often takes longer than going straight to the manufacturer because your provider may need to test various parts to find a suitable replacement.

Typically, it is much faster for a manufacturer to replace damaged hardware parts through a warranty. Manufacturers have access to the specific, branded parts for their hardware, so there’s no time wasted testing pieces that may or may not fit the hardware.

You are guaranteed parts built specifically for your computer brand and model through your warranty.

Warranty Tips from IT Providers

Generally, IT providers suggest keeping a current warranty for mission-critical hardware throughout its life. But, of course, you may be able to purchase a more extended policy.

Some hardware benefits more from warranties than others.

For example, servers impacting multiple employees would benefit from having an active warranty. If a computer goes out, one employee’s productivity is affected. If a server goes out, your entire office could be out of commission until it’s repaired.

Ideally, servers should have a warranty policy that guarantees resolution within 24 hours of an issue report.

Choosing the Right Warranty

Warranties are handy for extending hardware life and reducing stress. If your item is under warranty, you don’t have to buy a brand-new device; the warranty will cover it.

Some warranty highlights include:

  • Guarantee for fixing or replacing faulty equipment.
  • Option to buy extended warranties for one to three years after the initial warranty expires.
  • Possible extensions if the device is still in circulation.
  • The manufacturer or a third-party service provider handles warranty repairs and replacements.

IT providers often sell devices with three years of coverage, emphasizing extended warranties for servers and crucial devices. If your warranty ends, your IT provider may help with repairs, but it could take longer than warranty repairs.

Consider getting a warranty if:

  • You want quick, guaranteed repairs with manufacturer parts.
  • You can't afford to replace damaged hardware immediately.

But skip it if:

  • Your hardware is old and needs replacing.
  • You're okay with longer repair times and downtime.
  • You have the budget to replace damaged hardware.

For help identifying existing warranties or for purchasing additional warranties, talk to your IT provider. They will help you explore warranty options and determine what devices would benefit from having warranties.

For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients develop and execute IT strategies to benefit their businesses.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see if WEBIT Services can help.

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