Every time a salesperson suggests a warranty, your brain says yes, but your wallet groans. Most of these protections are more noise than help, quietly draining money without real benefit. Smarter shopping means knowing which promises matter and which don’t. Here’s a list of 10 everyday items with warranties you don’t actually need.
Extended Laptop Warranties
Extended laptop warranties might sound like a safe choice, but they usually provide little value. Most laptops come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, and many credit cards automatically extend that coverage at no extra cost. Paying extra rarely saves money, and some warranties exclude important components, such as the battery.
Smartphone Screen Protection Plans
Are screen protection plans really worth it? Not for most people. They commonly exclude the main culprit—drops. Your phone’s manufacturer already covers defects, and local repairs usually cost less than plan deductibles. Many people also end up upgrading their phones before they ever need the coverage.
Appliance Extended Warranties
Buying an extended warranty for appliances usually does not make sense. Appliances usually last for years without major issues, and the manufacturer already covers defects. Stores push these plans hard, yet they normally skip the parts that actually fail, like hoses and belts, leaving you paying extra for little benefit.
Jewelry Protection Plans
Jewelry protection plans sound fancy, but they rarely deliver real value. They mostly cover manufacturing defects, not loss or theft, which your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance likely already handles. Plus, some plans also skip everyday needs, such as resizing or cleaning, so you end up paying for coverage that barely matters.
Furniture Protection Plans
You might want to think twice about considering an opt-in furniture protection plan. Most plans skip common problems like scratches or stains. Structural repairs are already covered by the manufacturer. Several even demand instant spill reporting, and claims are frequently denied. And chances are, your sofa or table will outlive the plan anyway.
Car Tire Warranties
A lot of people grab tire warranties at the dealership, assuming they are worth it. In reality, they cover only defects from the factory. Road hazards, wear, and flats are mostly excluded or already handled by roadside assistance. Plus, you will probably change your tires before the warranty could ever do anything.
Car Rustproofing Warranties
Extended rustproofing plans rarely provide extra value. New vehicles already come with built-in rust protection, and manufacturers usually guarantee it for ten years. And thanks to galvanization, serious rust is uncommon. Still, dealers push these plans to make money, even when some coatings can mess with your existing paint warranty.
Electronics Surge Protection Warranties
Surge warranties sound useful, right? In reality, they hardly do much. Devices today already include surge protection, and power strip warranties usually skip the main risks. Also, Utilities often provide better, cheaper options. Trying to claim? Be prepared for endless paperwork and a long wait that may not even end with money in your pocket.
Headphone & Earbud Warranties
Considering a warranty for your headphones or earbuds? Keep in mind that battery issues, the most common problem, frequently go unprotected. Manufacturers typically cover early failures, and some brands offer cheap replacements anyway. Damage from sweat also rarely counts, and let’s face it, many people misplace their earbuds before anything truly breaks.
Gaming Console Protection Plans
Gaming console protection plans often sound like a must, but they’re not. Consoles already come with standard manufacturer warranties, and most defects show up in the first 12 months anyway. Out-of-pocket repairs usually cost less than the plan itself. With digital gaming growing, hardware failures are becoming even less common.
