A warranty is an extra promise from the maker or seller. Your legal rights exist anyway. This guide sets out what the FTC says for the US and what the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says for the UK. It is not legal advice.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

This is a short reference page. The full guide is Online Shopping Rights and Returns: UK, EU, US and Canada Compared.

United States (FTC)

  • Coverage varies. Check what is excluded (parts not listed are assumed not covered), what the company will do (repair, replace or refund), and any conditions such as returning a registration card.
  • Implied warranties come from state law even without a written one: the product should do its basic job and suit a purpose the seller recommended. A seller can disclaim them in writing or by selling "as is" where state law allows. Some states allow up to four years.
  • Warranties must be readable before you buy, in store or online. Put verbal promises in writing.
  • Manufacturers generally cannot make coverage depend on using specific parts or services unless they provide them free or get an FTC waiver.
  • Extended warranties and service contracts cost extra, are sold separately and are not warranties. They can overlap with the included warranty.
  • If you report a defect during the warranty period and it is not properly fixed, the company must correct it even if the warranty runs out first.

United Kingdom (Consumer Rights Act 2015)

  • Short-term right to reject: 30 days, starting the day after the goods are owned or possessed, delivered and (if installation is part of the contract) the trader says it is done. Perishable goods have a shorter period.
  • Remedies are early rejection, repair or replacement, a price reduction, or a final right to reject if repair or replacement is not possible or has failed.
  • Six-month presumption: goods found not to conform within six months of delivery are treated as faulty on delivery, unless shown otherwise.

What to do

Keep receipts and delivery dates, because the UK periods count from delivery. For the buying side, see our guide to refurbished electronics and refunds and chargebacks.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: US FTC, warranties; legislation.gov.uk, Consumer Rights Act 2015 section 22; legislation.gov.uk, Consumer Rights Act 2015 section 19.