Do You Need an Extended Warranty? What the Consumer Guarantees Already Cover
Why the Australian Consumer Law often covers faults long after the manufacturer's warranty, when an extended warranty helps, and questions to ask first.
By the MoneyBackKit AU team · Updated 28 October 2026 · 2 min read
At the checkout you're often offered an extended warranty for an extra few hundred dollars. Before paying, remember that the consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law already protect you for a "reasonable time", which depends on the price and the kind of product, and that can be longer than the manufacturer's warranty.
What a reasonable time might look like
| Product | Reasonable time it should last (rough guide) | Is an extended warranty worth it? |
|---|---|---|
| $300 kettle or toaster | A few years | Rarely: low price, short expected life |
| $1,500 laptop | Several years with normal use | Usually not: guarantees cover faults for a reasonable time |
| $2,500 fridge | Many years | Usually not: a major fault after 2–3 years can still be covered |
| $3,000 TV | Many years | Usually not, unless it covers accidental damage you want |
What the consumer guarantees give you anyway
- A repair, replacement or refund for a major failure, even after the manufacturer's warranty ends, if the product hasn't lasted a reasonable time.
- The shop you bought from must deal with it; it can't just send you to the manufacturer.
- These rights apply automatically and can't be removed by any warranty or sign.
When an extended warranty can help
- If it covers things the guarantees don't, such as accidental damage, theft or wear from heavy use.
- If it gives a loan item or faster repairs that matter to you.
Before you buy one
- Ask what it gives you beyond your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. Sellers must not tell you that you need it to get a repair or refund.
- Read what's excluded and whether there's an excess.
- Check how long you have to cancel and get a refund.