The Walmart Warranty Is Not Worth It. Here's Why.

If you’ve been shopping at Walmart for technology, you’ve likely been offered the Walmart warranty at some point. Many people feel compelled to buy it because of the convenience. And, of course, it’s nice to have peace of mind that you’re covered, especially for a large purchase like a computer or tablet.
But the Walmart Warranty isn’t worth it. Here’s why.

What is the Walmart Warranty?

First, let’s provide a quick overview. The Walmart warranty offers additional coverage that goes beyond the manufacturer's warranty. It’s offered on many products that are purchased through a brick-and-mortar store location or Walmart.com.
What’s interesting, however, is that Walmart doesn’t actually handle claims. SquareTrade, a company owned by Allstate, does. So if you end up filing a claim, you’ll do it through Allstate’s website rather than Walmart.

What Does it Cover?

Walmart insurance covers seven main types of products:
  • Laptops
  • Mobile phones
  • Tablets
  • Outdoor power equipment
  • Patio furniture
  • Jewelry and watches
  • General merchandise

How Long Does Coverage Last?

Most plans last for two to three years after purchasing a product.

How Much Does the Walmart Warranty Cost?

The cost depends on several factors, including the product you buy, how much it costs, and how long you want the coverage to last. Most plans typically cost between $2 to $39. For example, a three-year plan for electronics priced from $200 to $399.99 costs $34. However, the plan doesn’t protect against accidental damage.

Why the Walmart Warranty is Not Worth It

There are four main reasons why this isn’t the best option.
First, most of their warranties receive low ratings. The three-year plan for electronics we just referenced, for instance, only has a 1.3 out of 5-star rating, with multiple complaints of the coverage being misleading and inadequate.
Next, Walmart requires that you have your receipt to file a claim. If you don’t have your receipt, you simply can’t do it. While a customer service rep may be able to locate your receipt on their database, there aren’t any guarantees.
Third, you have to deal with SquareTrade, which as we mentioned earlier, is owned by Allstate. As Kim Pinnelli of coupon site Koopy explains, “the repair or replacement is at the discretion of Allstate. If you don’t have adequate proof regarding what happened if they deem it an ‘accident’ you may not get coverage.”
Finally, Walmart is pretty cryptic in its terms and conditions, where crucial information like deductibles is hard to find. You can see for yourself here. In fact, the lack of transparency and, at times, the deceptiveness of its terms and conditions is something consumers frequently complain about.

Why Upsie is a Better Alternative

Upsie is a better option. For starters, Upsie offers comprehensive warranties on a wide variety of products, including electronics, appliances, and outdoor equipment. Upsie’s warranties are also more affordable than big box retailers like Walmart. While retailers mark up their warranties by as much as 900% to maximize profits, Upsie offers the same or better coverage at up to 70% less.
Upsie also has a level of transparency that you won’t get from Walmart. Each plan comes with crystal clear pricing and a full overview of what’s covered, along with the deductible. That way, there are no question marks as to what you’re getting. You can even check out all of the different pricing options based on product brand, retail value, and coverage length to ensure you’re choosing the right plan.
Besides that, filing a claim is simple and hassle-free with Upsie. You can start your claim by either filling out an online form or speaking with a claims expert over the phone 24/7/365. They will help you schedule a repair at a local shop, have you mail it in, or have a technician perform an in-home repair. And if you need any assistance along the way, Upsie is available through phone, email, chat, or social media.
Upsie also offers a Smartphone Subscription Warranty that costs just $9.99 per month! With this subscription, you get comprehensive smartphone coverage for new and old phones.
You can get a full overview of how Upsie works here.

Learn More About Extended Warranties:

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.