Por Verano Stephan<\/p>\n
You never know when life \u2013 or a manufacturer \u2013 might throw you a lemon. That\u2019s why consumers should understand what warranties will and will not cover. A product may be defective upon delivery or become defective over time. Product warranties acknowledge this possibility and generally allow consumers to seek product repair, replacement, or refund within a designated time after purchase.<\/p>\n
However, warranty terms vary from product to product regarding duration and amount of coverage. Consumers should be careful not to assume a warranty will always cover the repair or replacement of defective items. Consumers may shop wiser by reviewing the terms of a warranty and knowing their warranty rights before purchase. Consumer warranty rights differ under federal and state laws.<\/p>\n
The following questions and answers highlight important aspects of California warranty law and different types of warranties consumers should know about before buying.<\/p>\n
How do you know if a product is covered by a warranty?<\/p>\n
In California, most expensive purchases including electronics, appliances and cars come with some form of express warranty detailing the product\u2019s performance coverage.<\/p>\n
Express warranties or guarantees are typically written but can be verbal.<\/p>\n
Consumers should confirm any verbal guarantees in writing. Goods advertised \u201cas is\u201d or \u201cwith all faults\u201d may be exempted from warranties.<\/p>\n
What is the difference between a general warranty and an extended warranty?<\/p>\n
General or manufacturer warranties attach to the product at the time of purchase.<\/p>\n
The duration and terms of the coverage vary with expiration occurring after a predetermined time.<\/p>\n
For example, many warranty claims require proof of purchase, and the failure to produce a receipt can prevent even a qualifying warranty claim from being honored.<\/p>\n
Consumers should always keep proof of purchase information to ensure that a valid warranty will be honored.<\/p>\n
Extended warranties or service contracts either cover maintenance not included in the general warranty or extend the general warranty coverage.<\/p>\n
Extended warranties are generally sold separately from the product, and the terms and types of coverage may be different from the general warranty and exclude refunds.<\/p>\n
Buyers should review all new service contract terms to ensure they understand any changes in coverage.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that service contracts are administered by third-party providers.<\/p>\n
Providers must have a valid license with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) to do business. Consumers may check a provider\u2019s license status on the BHGS webpage or call (916) 999-2041.<\/p>\n
What is the Bureau of Household Goods and Services?<\/p>\n
The BHGS regulates all licensed contract service providers, while working to protect consumers and educate businesses.<\/p>\n
The BHGS also acts as an enforcement agency and has jurisdiction over the following industries:<\/p>\n
For more information about service contracts or to file a complaint contact the BHGS on their website (www.bhgs.dca.gocv<\/a>) or by phone (916) 999-2041.<\/p>\n Como su fiscal de distrito, me comprometo a aumentar la comunicaci\u00f3n y la accesibilidad entre la oficina del fiscal de distrito y el p\u00fablico. Espero que estos consejos de seguridad p\u00fablica y del consumidor hayan sido \u00fatiles.<\/p>\n La Unidad de Protecci\u00f3n al Consumidor est\u00e1 compuesta por Fiscales de Distrito Adjuntos, Investigadores y Asistentes Legales dedicados a proteger a los consumidores y empresas respetuosas de la ley de pr\u00e1cticas comerciales fraudulentas o desleales. Para reportar una queja del consumidor, puede llamar al (619) 531-3507 o enviar un correo electr\u00f3nico consumidor@sdcda.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n