Top Reasons to Get an Electronics Warranty

Why an Electronics Warranty Is a Must-Have in Every Household

Electronics power nearly every part of modern life—from working and learning to connecting with friends and unwinding at the end of the day. Today, the average U.S. household with internet access owns about 21 connected devices, and Americans spend over $1,767 a year on new electronics. With so many devices deeply woven into our daily lives, any breakdown can cause major disruptions and financial setbacks.

An electronics warranty helps protect you from unexpected repair or replacement costs when your devices fail. This guide covers why arming yourself with an electronics warranty is a smart investment in today’s tech-driven world.

What is an Electronics Warranty?

Electronics aren’t built to last forever. Power surges, water damage, battery failures, and everyday wear and tear can all knock a device out of commission, and repairs aren’t cheap —especially for high-end devices like smartphones and major home electronics.

An electronics warranty is a type of home warranty plan designed specifically to cover the repair or replacement costs of essential devices like laptops, tablets, handheld gaming systems, and home entertainment equipment.

Instead of paying hundreds or even thousands out of pocket, you can file a claim with your warranty provider, pay a small service fee—sometimes called a deductible—and get your device back up and running without financial stress.

Top Benefits of Home Electronics Warranty

Getting an electronic warranty is beneficial if you have many smart devices or valuable electronics in your home. Here are the main reasons why:

Protection Against Unexpected Repairs

Newly purchased electronics typically come with a limited original warranty, with coverage usually lasting just 90 days to two years. Most avid tech users will agree — operational issues often arise after that warranty window closes.

Without protection, even a minor repair can put a serious dent in your budget. In some cases, fixing a device may cost more than replacing it altogether. For example, repairing a failed laptop motherboard can cost several hundred dollars, and for high-end models.

In many cases, that’s close to—or even more than—the cost of buying a new laptop from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.

An electronics warranty helps shield you from these surprise expenses by covering all or part of the cost of repairs and replacements when your devices fail unexpectedly—and there’s no manufacturer’s warranty left to buffer the bill.

Cost Savings Over Time

At first glance, an electronics warranty might seem like an added expense. But considering how expensive even one repair can be, a warranty could mean significant savings, especially in tech-heavy households. For instance, repairing a cracked TV screen can cost between $400 and $2,000+, depending on the model and screen size.

In households with multiple laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and more, the potential for breakdowns increases. Without a warranty, paying out-of-pocket for every issue can quickly add up.

Warranty plans come in monthly or yearly models—and the price is typically much lower than even a single repair incident at a local shop. With just a small monthly fee, you can save hundreds or even thousands over the lifespan of your electronics.

Coverage for a Wide Range of Devices

Many electronics warranties are comprehensive enough to cover all the vital devices found in modern households, including products from major brands like Apple, Samsung, HP, Dell, Sony, and more. They typically protect against mechanical and electrical failures caused by power surges, normal wear and tear, and defects in workmanship or materials. Common issues like overheating, internal short-circuiting, and display malfunctions are often included.

Reputable warranties—such as ARW Home’s Ultimate Electronics Protection Plan—even extend coverage to accidental damage. Everyday incidents like spilling coffee on a laptop or dropping a tablet while traveling are often covered, helping you avoid costly repairs after unexpected mishaps.

With broad protection across both portable and home electronics, an electronics warranty gives you peace of mind that one accident won’t leave you stuck with expensive repair costs.

Simplified Repair Process and Fast Service

A big challenge electronics owners face—besides the cost of repairs—is finding a good, trustworthy technician. Depending on the device, it may store sensitive personal or business data, making it even more important to find someone skilled, reliable, and secure.But locating a repair tech you can trust, who can fix the issue quickly and safely, isn’t always easy.

An electronics warranty streamlines the repair process. One of the perks of your extended warranty is that you gain access to a network of vetted technicians.

Instead of spending hours researching repair shops and risking low-quality service, you simply file a claim with your provider and get fast, professional repairs without the hassle. In many cases, your provider will schedule the appointment on your behalf—removing the stress from your shoulders.

Peace of Mind in a Tech-Heavy World

Chances are you and your family depend on electronics for essential aspects of daily life—using laptops and tablets for school and work, and entertainment devices like TVs, DVD players, and gaming consoles for relaxing and connecting. These devices power the routines that keep your household running.

So, when a device breaks down, the resulting downtime can disrupt work, school, and family time—and how long that disruption lasts often depends on how quickly you can find (and fund) help.

An electronics warranty takes the pressure off. Instead of relying on your credit card or insurance to cover a surprise expense, support is just a call away.

Once you submit a claim, your provider will coordinate the next steps—connecting you with a vetted technician, scheduling the repair, and helping get your devices back up and running quickly.

FAQs About Electronics Home Warranty

What does an electronics warranty typically cover?

The exact coverage details vary by provider. However, most warranties cover mechanical and electrical issues such as battery malfunctions, motherboard failures, broken charging ports, flickering or black screens, overheating, power surges, and internal short-circuiting. Many also include protection for wear and tear, such as degraded batteries, loose wiring, failing buttons, and broken speakers or microphones.

**Some warranties even include accidental damage—**like cracked screens from drops, spills, broken hinges, and damaged ports.

Are extended warranties really worth it?

If you’re a household with several devices and your manufacturer warranties have expired, extended warranties are definitely worth considering. Without coverage, you’ll be footing the entire repair bill if your laptop dies or your tablet takes a spill.

With a warranty, you trade unpredictable repair costs for a manageable monthly fee.

For families with multiple devices, extended warranties are even more valuable—one plan can cover several electronics. When something breaks, just file a claim. Your provider handles the rest and connects you with a trusted technician. If repairs cost more than the device is worth, your warranty may even help replace it.

How do I choose the best electronics protection plan?

Start by looking for a plan that includes coverage for the types of electronics you already own—or plan to buy soon. Prioritize plans that include protection for high-value devices like laptops, TVs, tablets, and computers.

If you’re always on the go, ensure the plan includes accidental damage coverage, like drops or liquid spills. Make sure the claims process is simple. A great plan should be hassle-free and responsive. Also, compare the cost of the plan to what you'd spend on one major repair without coverage. The best plans help you recover your investment quickly.

Lastly, check customer reviews to see how users rate the provider’s service, claim response time, and overall satisfaction.

Can I get a warranty for older devices?

Yes—ARW Home’s Ultimate Electronics Protection Plan covers both new and older devices.

There’s no age limit—as long as your device is working properly at sign-up, you’re eligible for coverage. You can protect laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, tablets, routers, printers, and more without needing a receipt or proof of purchase. Just keep in mind there’s a 31-day waiting period before coverage starts.

Not all providers cover older electronics, so check the fine print if you’re shopping around.

What’s the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a third-party plan?

Manufacturer warranties are limited in both time (90 days to two years) and scope—they only cover manufacturing defects and exclude accidents, power surges, and wear and tear.

Third-party warranties, like ARW Home’s Ultimate Electronics Protection Plan, provide broader and longer-lasting protection. They cover mechanical failures, electrical problems, power surges, liquid damage, drops, and more—even after your original warranty has expired.

You can also cover multiple devices under one plan, with up to $5,000 in annual coverage for repairs and replacements.