UK Warranty & Guarantee Rights: Consumer Guide 2025

What this document is

A guarantee is a voluntary commitment from a manufacturer or trader that a product will perform in a particular way for a set period. If the product fails within that window, the guarantor agrees to repair, replace or refund it at no cost to you.

Guarantees are usually included for free when you buy the item and they become legally binding once you accept the goods. A warranty, often sold as an 'extended warranty', is a separate paid contract that kicks in either alongside or after the manufacturer's guarantee ends.

It is closer to an insurance product than a free promise, and the cover varies widely between providers. Crucially, neither a guarantee nor a warranty replaces your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If goods are faulty, not fit for purpose or not as described, you can still pursue the retailer you bought from, regardless of what the manufacturer's paperwork says. Think of guarantees and warranties as extra layers on top of the baseline protections the law already gives you.

How to use this document

1. Check what you already have for free. Before paying for any extra cover, read the guarantee that came with the product. Most electrical goods, appliances and vehicles include a manufacturer's guarantee of at least twelve months. Note the start date, the length of cover, what is included, and any exclusions such as accidental damage or wear and tear.
2. Register the product if required. Some guarantees only become valid once you register the purchase with the manufacturer, either online or by returning a card. Registration also means you can be contacted directly about safety recalls or firmware updates. Keep your receipt and proof of registration together, because you will usually need both if you make a claim later.
3. Decide whether an extended warranty is worth it. Extended warranties can be expensive relative to the cost of the item. Before agreeing to one at the till, compare the cover against what the manufacturer's guarantee already provides and what your statutory rights cover. In many cases the overlap is significant and the extra cost may not be justified for lower-value goods.
4. Understand insurance backing. An insurance-backed guarantee means that if the trader goes out of business, an insurer steps in to honour the cover. This is particularly important for home improvement work such as windows, roofing or solar installations, where the guarantor may not be around in ten years. Ask for the insurance certificate in writing and keep it safe.
5. Make a claim the right way. If something goes wrong, identify whether your best route is the retailer (for a Consumer Rights Act claim), the manufacturer (for a guarantee claim), or the warranty provider. Put your complaint in writing, describe the fault clearly, include photos where helpful, and keep copies of every response. If the trader refuses, escalate through an ombudsman or trade association before considering court.