Extended product warranties

Making an expensive purchase isn't something most of us take lightly. But when you do spend your hard-earned money, you want to know that purchase is protected, right? Your credit card may offer a product warranty that can extend the standard warranty you get from a manufacturer. No registration is required, but it's important to know just how that coverage works.

Some credit card warranties can add time to a manufacturer’s warranty, provided that the original manufacturer’s warranty lasts 3 years or less. Sometimes, eligible purchases are automatically covered, so you won’t have to register or apply. Be sure to check the specific details and requirements for your credit card warranty.

Certain big-ticket items—like cars, boats or real estate—typically aren’t covered by extended product warranties. Neither are computer software or medical equipment. But some smaller items with larger price tags—like appliances, televisions or expensive jewelry—just might be covered, and the ability to protect those things can be a great perk.

Sometimes, warranties won’t apply for items above a certain price tag, and there also may be a limit on how many purchases will be covered. For example, extended warranties may only cover up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder. Also, keep in mind if you paid partially for something with your credit card, only that amount may be covered by the extended warranty. Not the full purchase price.

Don’t wait—if something is wrong with your purchase, you may need to report the issue within a certain amount of time, like 60 days, in order to qualify for an extended warranty.

Making a claim on an extended warranty may require a store receipt, a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty and a copy of any repair orders you’ve made.

An extended product warranty might give you some extra coverage for your purchases along with a little more peace of mind. And it’s not the only protection you might get from a credit card—yours may offer rental car insurance along with other benefits. For Capital One customers, check your benefits guide to find out what benefits are available to you.